Elmer Ernest Krokson
Elmer Ernest Krokson, 93, Cornell, passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at Cornell Health Services, surrounded by his loving family.
Elmer was born Nov. 27, 1929, in Cornell, to Axel and Frony (Seibold) Krokson. His mother died when he was six years old and his father passed away when Elmer was 12 years old, at which time, his older brother, Albert, became his guardian.
Elmer was a 1948 graduate of Cornell High School. He worked for a few years, at Cornell Transfer, before joining the U.S. Army in 1951, during the Korean War. As a sergeant, Elmer served on the front lines in Korea, as a gunner and tank commander, from 1952-53.
Upon returning home, Elmer began work as a depot clerk and telegrapher for the Omaha Railroad, working in several different depots throughout central and northern Wisconsin. He later worked in the offices of the Cornell paper mill, after which, he was employed as office manager at Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative in Cornell, for many years.
He retired in 1991, enjoying a long and active retirement, filled with golfing, bike riding, cross country skiing, ice skating and other outdoor sports. He was also a voracious reader, enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles, and loved spending time with his and Fran’s dog, Bert.
Elmer served several terms on the Cornell City Council and was treasurer of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, for many years.
He married Adele Carol Guthrie in 1954, at Cornell Presbyterian Church. They had four children, Janet, Joyce, David and Debra. Carol preceded him in death in 1973.
Then, in 1985, Elmer married Frances Leone (Meyer) Sime at Holy Cross Parish in Cornell. Through that union, he welcomed four stepchildren into his life: Cheryl, Judith, Kathleen and Scott. Fran preceded him in death in 2014.
He is survived by three children – Janet Krokson, Spooner, David (Jacklynn) Krokson, Osage Beach, Mo., and Debra (Ray) Butterfield, Cornell; stepchildren – Cheryl (Tom) Rasmussen, Shell Lake, Kathy (Chris) Neville, Eau Claire, and Scott (Shari) Sime, Eau Claire; 14 grandchildren, including – Bentley and Brandon Krokson, Jill and Adam Butterfield, with whom Elmer shared a very special relationship, Caleigh, Leigha, Mitch and Molleigh Rasmussen, Casey and Lexy Erickson, Brooke and Brittany Neville, Tammy (Butterfield) Blinkman and Ryan Butterfield; and 11 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wives and his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother – Albert; daughter – Joyce (Denny) Johnson; son-in-law – Ray Butterfield; stepdaughter – Judy; many in-laws; and several uncles; aunts; cousins; nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 4 p.m., Wednesday, June 28, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Cornell, with Pastor Andy Schottelkorb officiating. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m., until the time of service.
There will be a private family inurnment at the Cornell Cemetery.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.bortonleiserfuneralhome. com. Borton-Leiser Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Cornell, is assisting the family.
