Iron Mountain-John D. “Tim” Elmer, 84, of Iron Mountain, passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2016. After fighting his battles with failing health, Tim is now kicking up his heels with a twinkle in his eye and enjoying being in the presence of his Lord.

Born the son of John and Eva Elmer on February 17, 1932, Tim spent his childhood in Aurora, Wis. The family later moved to Iron Mountain, where he graduated from Iron Mountain High School, Class of 1950. At the completion of high school, he attended St. Norbert College in DePere, Wis., and graduated in 1954, after marrying his high school sweet heart, Betty Pastori on August 15, 1953. Upon graduation from St. Norbert College, he was given a direct commission into the Regular Army by President Eisenhower. This commission is given to personnel who graduate at the top of the ROTC class while attending college. Captain Elmer served 3 years on active duty as a field medical assistant and then resigned his regular army commission and transferred to the Army Reserves.

Upon returning from service, Captain Elmer finished his post graduate studies at Northern Michigan University, graduating with his master’s degree in 1961. He joined the Michigan National Guard in 1961 where he served as assistant executive officer, assistant communications officer and battalion communications officer, retiring in 1987.

When Tim returned from active duty in 1957, he began teaching in the Breitung Township School system. He taught science, coached football, basketball and track, and served as Athletic Director during his 30 years at Breitung Township Schools.

Tim loved his Lord, his family and his country. He was a lector at Immaculate Conception Church, as well as an Altar Server. His famous porketta was always joyously given to Lazarus’ Laborers to serve after funeral masses.

Always the teacher, he taught his children to see God’s handiwork in nature. There was always a hike in the fields to gather wild flowers for Mom. Tomato plants were grown in abundance and freely and lovingly given to friends and family. Tim “fathered” many hives of bees over the years with the “Millie Hill Honey” harvested and used to provide funds for charity.

Among his many achievements, he served two terms as the mayor of Iron Mountain, several terms on the City Council and TIFA Board, as well the Downtown Development Authority.

Tim is survived by his Betty, his devoted and loving wife of 63 years, his four children, Julie Elmer Mainville, Jeana (Nick) Simone, Tim (Linda) Elmer and John (Tina) Elmer. He was a wonderful grandfather to 11 grandchildren; Steve (Janet) Mainville, Matt (Kim Fox) Mainville, Christina (Scott) Caliebe, Nick (Christina) Simone Jr., Elissa (Randall) Howe, Abbie Simone, Eric (Kathleen) Elmer, Beth (Lee) Smith, Tim (Emily) Elmer, Melissa (Justin Hoffmeyer) Elmer and Emily Elmer, and his 9 great-grandchildren, Two sisters also survive Tim: Marquerite Larshied and Vivian Larson of Green Bay.

Along with his parents, John and Eva Elmer, Tim was preceded in death by his brother, Monsignor Charles Elmer and his mother-in-law, and father-in-law, Perina and Charles Pastori.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 21, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain. Prayers will be recited Tuesday, November 22, 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Iron Mountain. Msgr. James Kaczmerek will officiate. Deacon Jerry Nardi will assist. Burial will be held in Cemetery Park, Iron Mountain. The American Legion Uren-Cooper Johnson, Post #50, will accord Military Honors at graveside.

Pall Bearers will be Steve Mainville, Matt Mainville, Nick Simone, Eric Elmer, Tim Elmer and Justin Hoffmeyer. Honorary Pall Bearers: John Meyer and Art Vines.

Memorials can be made to the Carmelite Sisters, Iron Mountain or to the Wounded Warriors Project in Tim’s memory.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Tim or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, to honor Tim’s legacy of life.