Elmer William Rerucha died at his home on November 28, 2018, at the age of 94 years. He was born on a farm in eastern Nebraska on December 23, 1923, to Emma (Pernicek) and William A. Rerucha. He was the third of five children: Marie (James Bohaty), Rose (Emanuel Morvec), Ervin (Maybelle Deford), and Ivan, all of whom preceded him in death.
Elmer’s early education was in Nebraska at Butler County Elementary School and David City High School, where he was an all-state player for their undefeated football team. He passed up a football scholarship to the University of Nebraska and instead volunteered for military service with the U.S. Marine Corps on December 13, 1943. He served in WWII at Guam, Marianas Islands, and Iwo Jima where he was wounded in action on February 28, 1945. He was awarded the Purple Heart.
Elmer married Elaine Josephine Dobes on June 7, 1948 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Leigh, NE, and then moved to Laramie to continue his education at the University of Wyoming. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture under the Disabled Veterans’ GI bill, and was a varsity letterman on the UW Rifle Team.
After graduation, Elmer worked at the Monolith Portland Midwest Cement Co lab for 30 years, and also for the Rich Rayda Real Estate Agency.
He was a 70 year member of St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church, where he ushered for over 50 years, the Elks Club, Cowboy Joe Club, UW Alumni Association, and active in the American Legion where he was a member, and special honoree at the 2007 Veterans’ Day Remembrance Celebration. He was also a member of state and local realtors’ associations, and the Knights of Columbus with the distinction of serving a term as Grand Knight. He was a tireless volunteer at St. Laurence School.
Elmer was preceded in death in June of this year by his wife of 70 years, Elaine. Their children and families survive him: John (Mollie), Calvin (Janice), Kay Schwarz, (James – deceased) and Kim McIrvin (David); Grandchildren, John Dobes (Caitlyn) Rerucha, Laura Goeden (Scott), Luke and Max Rerucha, Mark (Meredith) Schwarz, Alison Haas (Augie), Zack (Taylor) Schwarz, Matt Schwarz, Abigail (Krissy) McIrvin, Claire, Jack and Kathryn McIrvin; and Great-grandchildren, Jack and Emma Rerucha, Lainey Schwarz, and Lucy Goeden. His sister-in-law, Georgia Rerucha of Omaha, NE, and several nieces and nephews also survive him.
Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, December 15, 2018 at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church and Funeral Liturgy beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church, followed by inurnment with Military Honors at Greenhill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in his honor can by made to the American Legion, 417 E Ivinson Ave, Laramie, WY 82070.
126 Corthell Road 126 Corthell Road
Cal, Jan, Max & Luke, please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of your father. Sincerely, Sam & Bonnie Chavez
We were so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. We know this is a very sad and difficult time for you and your family. You have our very deepest sympathy. Pat & Linda Flynn
Mr. Rerucha was one of those modest and brave men of The Greatest Generation. We are sorry for his family’s loss.
Cal, Jan, and family. We are so sorry for your loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. Keep all of his and your mothers memories in your hearts.
Cal and Jan, sorry for your loss. Wishing you comfort in your time of sorrow. Elaine Volin
I remember Mr. Rerucha as our realtor for the house my father bought in 1968, and one of our neighbors living down the street from us thereafter. Little did I know he was also a man of such extraordinary courage, patriotism and valor. How many men there were of his generation, seemingly living ordinary lives, but unbeknownst to us, titans of valor who saved our civilization when the call to service came. RIP Mr. Rerucha, along with the other giants of your generation who are passing away.
Rerucha Family especially Jan and Luke You are all in my thoughts and prayers. When I worked at Laramie Lawnery in the summer of 2017 Luke spoke often of his grandfather with love and kindness. DeAnne Rowles
I met Elmer just once, but I'll never forget it. It was at the Laramie Rec Center several years ago - not sure when. We spent maybe an hour together talking about World War II. Our conversation drifted from the locker room, to the lobby, and into the parking lot. As I like military history, I asked him about his service with the Marines in the Pacific. His vivid account of the landing on Iwo Jima will stick with me. I couldn't believe I was standing next to such a valiant man. My sincere condolences to the family
To The Rerucha Family, My heartfelt sadness for you all in the passing of your father and also your mother. I the greatest admiration for your parents and all of the children as well. Our neighborhood was a story of many common friendly children growing up with Christian influences. Life has changed for us all, but the beautiful memories of your family, you mother and father will last forever. Knowing we shared the beauty of our Catholic faith and the values we were taught is because of parents like yours. Be happy that you have the love, the faith, and the blessings from your beautiful parents. From Virginia Williams -Schilz, and brother John Williams.
Cal, Jan & family, we are so very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Laramie has lost another gentleman. Keeping you all in our prayers.
Cal, Jan, John, and family: So sorry for the loss of your dad. I remember him fondly while growing up in Laramie. Ron and I will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. May the peace if the Christmas Season be with all of you. Ron and Patti Kopriva and families
Sorry for your loss John.
Cal and Jan, So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Alan and Cheri Frank
Cal and Jan, Dave and I are thinking of you, wish we could take the pain away but we know you have great memories of him and of your mother. You never forget those childhood memories and all the contact with them as you yourselves became adults. We also send love to Max and Luke. Your friendship over the years have meant the world to us. We Love You. Dave and Joanne Lemler
We are so sad to hear of Elmer’s passing! We love all of you and are so grateful to have lived by the Rerucha family for so many year! You blessed all of our lives! The Asplund Family
Cal & Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your father was a shining example of a life well lived and an honorable man. He will be missed.