Elmer R. Schueler

RUSHFORD, MINN. - Elmer R. Schueler, 90, of Rushford passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, September 22, 2008, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minn. Elmer was born on September 1, 1918, in Winona, Minn. to George and Viva (Havens) Schueler. He was raised in the Winona area, attended Winona Public Schools and eventually worked with his father as a mink rancher. In his youth he was a boxer. As a young man he trapped for furs in southeastern and northern Minnesota. A member of the 'Greatest Generation' he served in the U.S. Army during WWII. Elmer was in the Canon Company of the 134th Infantry of the 35th Division, in the European Theater under General Patton. His military experiences included the battle at St. Lo, The Battle of the Bulge and the press into Germany. Elmer was the recipient of The Medal of the Jubilee of Liberty from France. On September 7, 1947, Elmer was united in marriage with Margaret A. McGregor in Fillmore, California. Elmer and Margie moved to Rush Creek Valley, north of Rushford. Together, they built and operated Rush Arbor Mink Ranch until 1988. Elmer was recognized for development of new mutations of mink coat colors. He raised Hereford cattle and was well-know for his prized Hereford bulls. Until health issues prevented him in 2007, Elmer daily and faithfully checked on and cared for his cattle. In addition, he raised Airdale Terriers for many years. Elmer treasured the beauty and peace of his ranch. The coulees and hills, woods, streams, rocks and prairies and all the wildlife that inhabited it. Protectively he worked and safeguarded the land that was his refuge and sanctuary. Elmer loved his dogs and animals and was an avid outdoorsman and conservationist. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Rushford, Whalan American Legion, Winona County Farm Bureau, Mutation Mink Breeders Assoc., and the Mink Producers Assoc. If he knew you were interested, Elmer could be drawn into lengthy conversations about his favorite topics or WWII. His stories usually had the reverse effect of captivating the listener's attention. Generally however, Elmer was a modest, quiet and private man. A good man with a shy smile, twinkling eyes, few, essential words and lots of himself to share. He was the kind of friend you could sit silently with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you had ever had. We will remember Elmer not for how he died, but for how he lived and all that he gave and taught us. We will remember him for his dry sense of humor and corny jokes. What matters most, is to know the honor of being Elmer's family and friends. To say we love you, and we'll miss you now and forever. Treasure the memories within your heart when you see and hear him around you. Enjoy wonderful memories of happy and laughing times. Listen with your heart and he will always be close by. Take thee gently home great guardian of this earth. God speed. Elmer is survived by his cherished family; wife, Margie; two sons: Karl (Blanca) Schueler of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and David (Holly) Schueler of Forrest Lake, Minn.; three daughters: Sharon (Wayne) Woxland of St. Charles, Minn., Marlene Schueler of Rushford, and Peggi (Steve) Redalen of Rushford; eleven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and one on the way; and one niece Sandi (Dave) Piechowski. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters: Laura Leahy and Lorraine Adler; and by one grandson. Friends may call on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. There will be a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, at Hoff Funeral Homes - Rushford Chapel with the Rev. Susan Li officiating. His cremated body will be scattered privately on his beloved ranch by his family. Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren. The family prefers memorials to be directed to the International Wolf Foundation in Ely, Minn. or to the First Presbyterian Church in Rushford. Please leave a memory of Elmer, sign his online guestbook and view his tribute video at www.hofffuneral.com
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/32657