Elmer Gee

Funeral services for Elmer E. Gee of Knoxville, and formerly Des Moines, were held on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, at Bybee & Davis Funeral Home in Knoxville with Swann Juline officiating. Burial followed in Graceland Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the V.F.W. John Myers Post 3519, the American Legion Baty-Tucker Post 168 and the United States Navy.

Music was provided by Cindi Todd as organist with selections including, “Beautiful Savior”, “Holy, Holy, Holy”, “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Anchors Aweigh”. Casket bearers included Kevin De Long, Brian De Long, Rich Bubak, Jacob Bubak, Mike Kephart and Braden De Long. Those serving as honorary casket bearers were Scott Hensler, Bart Hensler, Nichole DeLong, Jamie Bubak, Emily Hensler and Dominic Hensler.

Elmer Enoch Gee was born July 14, 1921, in Des Moines, the son of Lamont Gee and Mabel (Meline) Gee.

He graduated from East High School in Des Moines with the class of 1939. Following graduation Elmer was united in marriage to Lucille Newcomb on March 29, 1941, in Des Moines.

Elmer enlisted in the United States Navy on Oct. 1, 1942, while in the Navy he was stationed on the USS Pennsylvania during WWII. Following an honorable discharge on Nov. 1, 1945, Elmer returned to Des Moines to work as a bricklayer. He was a well respected bricklayer, having overseen the building of the Hoover Library, remodeling of Iowa Methodist Hospital and stone murals at the YMCA.

Following retirement, Elmer continued to work building three more homes. He also had received his 50 year gold card from the Bricklayers’ Union. He was a Shriner and lifelong member of the Lutheran Church. Elmer enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with his family.

He passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, at Westridge Nursing & Rehab Center at the age of 88 years, six months and six days.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lucille; five sisters, Alice, Louise, Florence, Lillian, and Marilyn; three grandchildren Steve and René De Long, baby Hensler and, son-in-law James DeLong.

Survivors include his daughters, Judy (Gerald) Kephart of Knoxville, Randy (Robert) Hensler of Waialua, Hawaii; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, sisters, Esther, Bertha, Nancy, Eleanor; brothers, Harlan, Lamont, and Larry, along with other relatives.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the family. Online condolences may be left at bertrandfuneralhomes.com.

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