Elmer E. Ferris

Elmer E. Ferris, age 78, of Savanna, Illinois, passed away Friday, June 3, 2011 at Mercy Living Center South, Clinton, Iowa. A private family funeral service will be held at a later date. Burial will take place in Savanna Township Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by the Savanna V.F.W. Post# 2223. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established for his grandchildren’s education.
Elmer was born on October 16, 1932, the son of Charles and Nerrine (Coon) Ferris in Savanna, Illinois. Elmer married Joanne Winkel on March 23, 1958 in Clinton, Iowa. Joanne passed away on March 10, 2008 in Clinton, Iowa.
Elmer served his country in the United States Navy for twenty years, serving four years aboard the U.S.S. Ticonderoga. After he was discharged, Elmer went to work for the Milwaukee Railroad. He was also a Chef for Buck’s Barn for twenty years. Elmer enjoyed taking fishing trips with his brothers in Canada. He also enjoyed baking and gambling on the riverboats. Most of all, Elmer loved spending time with his family and friends.
Elmer will be dearly missed by one daughter, Terry (Arlyn) Dykema of Chadwick, Illinois; one son, Mark Ferris of Chadwick; three grandchildren; one great granddaughter; one brother, Clifford (Susan) Ferris of Savanna; and three sisters in-law, Jean Ferris, Donna Ferris and Carol Ferris all of Savanna.
Elmer is preceded in death by his wife, Joanne; one grandson, Joshua Dykema; one great grandson, James Weires and three brothers, Jack, Charles and Larry Ferris