Elmer Evan Rahn, Sr.

Elmer Evan Rahn, Sr. age 73, life-long farmer of Chadwick died Saturday, April 14, 2012 at home surrounded by his loving family. A Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Chadwick with Pastor Chris Schoon officiating. Burial will be in the Chadwick Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life luncheon gathering at the family farm just east of Chadwick. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Friday, April 20, 2012 at the Church.Elmer was born March 3, 1939 in Freeport, Illinois, the son of Evan George and Ada Lucille (Metz) Rahn. He was raised on the family homestead (Century) farm near Chadwick where he learned to plant corn on a two-row planter at the age of twelve. Elmer attended the Chadwick High School graduating in 1957, President of the Class. On January 24, 1959, Elmer married Judith Ann Kloepping in Chadwick. They have celebrated 53 years of marriage.Most important to Elmer was family. He would tell his grandchildren, "work hard every day, make smart decisions, and if you say you will do something, do it." He enjoyed telling stories and met many life-long friends while attending cattle and machinery auctions, and antique tractor drives. Elmer was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Chadwick, a 38 year member of the Mt. Carroll Lions Club, a member of the Livestock Feeders Assoc., served on the board and past president of Lanark Mutual Insurance and when they merged he served on the board of PLN Mutual of Dixon; also a past member of the Chadwick School Board and the Carroll County Board.Elmer will be dearly missed by his wife Judith Rahn of Chadwick; his daughter Leanne Rahn of Lanark; his son, Elmer (Annette) Rahn of Mt. Carroll; five grandchildren, Justin (Amber) Rahn, Correy (Kellie) Rahn, Darrin, Rachel and Mitchel Rahn; and his brother, Allen (Charlotte) Rahn of Chadwick. Elmer is preceded in death by both parents.