Elmer J. Kafer

Elmer Junior Kafer, 100, died peacefully Friday, February 9, 2024 under the care of Gentiva Hospice at Orchard Park Assisted Living where he had resided for four years.

He was born October 12, 1923 in Sulphur Springs, Ohio, to the late Elmer Jacob and Cora (Welty) Kafer. He graduated from Sulphur Springs High School in 1941. In 1942, Elmer married Sarah “Jane” Campbell of Bucyrus. In 1943, he was drafted into the US Army, serving in the infantry in the Pacific Theater of World War II in the Philippines and in the occupation of Japan after V-J Day. He returned to Bucyrus in 1946 and worked for Galion Iron Works. He moved on to a career in real estate, while also building and remodeling homes. Later, Elmer partnered with Larry Williams in the ownership and operation of The Crazy Fox Saloon and Weaver Hotel.

Elmer will be remembered for his outgoing and gregarious personality. He was always quick to strike up conversations with anyone he met, forging many friendships in the Bucyrus community. Elmer and Jane were avid golfers who also enjoyed dancing and playing cards. They traveled extensively, visiting South America, Hawaii, and Portugal among other destinations. They often visited his brother in California and his sister in Las Vegas, where they enjoyed visiting casinos and seeing shows. At home, Elmer also enjoyed tending his vegetable garden and tackling many home repair projects.  He was a member of the Elks and VFW, and especially liked spending time at American Legion Post 181 with fellow Legion veterans and friends.

Elmer is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Roger and Maryann Kafer; granddaughter, Sarah Kafer Mill and her husband Nick; great grandchildren, Charlotte and Kellan; his dear friend and neighbor, Kathy Kirchberg; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Elmer was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Kafer, on December 20, 2002; son, James A. Kafer; and siblings, Virgil Kafer, Ernest “Tom” Kafer, Elenora Gray, Irene Baldosser Dobbins, and Marie Schultz.

Services will be held at Wise Funeral Service on Thursday, February 15. Family will receive friends from 10:30-11:55 am and the funeral will begin at 12 Noon with Chaplain Will Gunsalus officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery with military rites by the US Army Honor Guard and Bucyrus Veterans Military Funeral Service Detail.

Memorial donations can be made payable to Friends of the Crawford Park District or Gentiva Hospice and given through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on his guestbook.