Elmer W. Belden

Elmer W. Belden, 79, of Eau Claire, WI, passed away on Wednesday, March 23^rd, 2016 at his residence in Eau Claire.

Elmer was born on May 2^nd, 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 11^th, 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 29^th, 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.