Elmer Dunham

Elmer Dunham, 93, of Grawn, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 12th, 2019 at The Hospice House in Traverse City, surrounded by his family.

Elmer was born to Ernest and Alice (Hall) Dunham on April 19, 1926 in Grand Rapids MI. At age 4, the Dunham family moved north to Buckley to operate a family farm.

Elmer attended Buckley High School, while working the family farm. After leaving the farm, he held many different jobs throughout his life, including grounds maintenance at the National Music Camp in Interlochen, lifeguard and park ranger at the Interlochen State Park, and meat boner at Tannehill DeYoung Inc. until their closing in the early seventies. He finished his working career, and retired, as a custodial supervisor at Traverse City Central High School.

During his life, Elmer had many hobbies. He had an extensive garden that he was very proud of. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, and loved playing card games and board games with family and friends. Elmer loved spending time with his kittens, Oscar and Oliver but never got over the loss of his beloved cocker spaniel, Danny Boy. He adored and doted on his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition, Elmer was a life member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

On August 31, 1951, Elmer married Lucile Yahr. Together they raised three children, Lynn, Beverly and Sally. Elmer was an exceptional husband, father, grandfather, and brother, with a huge, kind and caring heart. He took care of Lucile to her final breathe on July 4th of this year.

Elmer is survived by his, son Lynn (Linda) Dunham, daughters Beverly (Robert “Doc”) Shaffer, and Sally (Roger) Zeits. He is also survived by grandchildren, Eric (Kelley) McLean, Benjamin (Katelyn) Zeits, Mark (Melinda) Zeits, Timothy Zeits, and Paul (Danielle) Zeits, as well as great grandchildren, Sophia McLean, James and William Zeits and twins Alice and Emma Zeits. Other surviving family members are his sister Erma (Fred) Braden and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Jim (Philiman) Burley, Roy (Chloe) Dunham, Burt (Margaret) Dunham, William Dunham, Ira (Grace) Dunham, Jack (Betty) Dunham, as well as sisters Bess (Clayton) Yahr, Myrtle (Glen) Trumbull, and Blanche (Roy) Playter.

A Memorial service will be held at the Life Story Funeral Home on Hammond Rd on Friday, September 20, 2019 at noon with visitation starting at 11am. Inurnment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Grawn.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grawn Fire Department or to the Cherryland Humane Society.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guestbook and share your thoughts and memories with the family. The family chose Life Story Funeral Home.