Elmer W. Belden, 79, of Eau Claire, WI, passed away on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016 at his residence in Eau Claire.
Elmer was born on May 2nd, 1936 to Ralph & Margaret (Volkman) Belden. He graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School in 1954. He was very athletic and took part in baseball, basketball, and football all through high school. After high school he joined the U.S. Air Force and served for four years.
He married his high school sweetheart, Lavinia Holte, on June 11th, 1955 and though they were later divorced they had four children; Lisa, Peter, James, and Tena. Elmer later married Shirley Lampert in South Carolina and they were married until her passing in 2011. Elmer worked locally in Eau Claire for many years before finally becoming an over the road truck driver to which he would later retire from.
Elmer enjoyed fishing and was an avid sports fan. Whether he was rooting for the Packers in football, the Atlanta Braves in baseball, or his grandchildren in the many sports they played; he always enjoyed the game.
Elmer is survived by his children, Lisa (Greg) Cormican, Peter (Nancy) Belden, James (Cindy) Belden, and Tena (Scott) Koepl; his stepsons, Michael (Linda) Swett and Bobby (Christina) Deese of North Carolina; his sister Barbara Hadden; his aunt Helene Powers; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Jerome, Robert, and Carol; stepdaughter Debbie; his wives Lavinia and Shirley; and most recently his dear friend Nancy Schultz.
Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, March 29th, 2016 at 5:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel, Eau Claire. A visitation will take place one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Pastor David Irgens will be officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.
We are so sorry for your loss. Elmer became a close member of our family as he became our mom, Nancy’s, close friend and companion. We enjoyed his company when we all lived on the farm. I will always remember he and mom sitting in their lawn chairs under the shade tree. We are forever grateful for the care and compassion he showed mom as her disease progressed. He will be missed.
We are so sorry to hear of Elmers passing. I am Nancy Schultz’s daughter and we came to know Elmer quite well through my mom. They cared deeply for each other and we enjoyed the time we spent with them. He has a special place in our family’s heart and will be remembered always.
Elmer became very dear to us and a part of our family over the last few years. Our mom Nancy and he were classmates who hadn’t seen each other since high school but recognized each other when Elmer appeared at the Chetek Senior Center to play cards one day. They became inseparable over the next few years. He accompanied mom to many family gatherings. We enjoyed his company and will miss him very much. Elmer was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and talked of you often. Our sincere sympathies to all of you. John and Paula Vogler
Prayers for comfort for you and your families during this difficult time. May the peace of the Lord be with you.