Elmer Neste

Elmer Neste, age 88, of Decorah, Iowa died on Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, Iowa following complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 1, 2005 at the Lutheran Cemetery in Decorah, Iowa with Rev. Bryan Robertson, from the Decorah Lutheran Church officiating. There will be no visitation. Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah is in charge of arrangements. Elmer Kenneth Neste was born on November 7, 1916 the son of Otto and Sophie (Flaskerud) Neste near Decorah, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm west of Decorah and went to country school. Elmer was baptized and confirmed at the First Lutheran Church in Decorah. Elmer worked with his parents and his Uncle, Theodor on many inventions, including a steam tractor, a single hand post hole digger and an electric traveling mailbox. On November 24, 1938, he married Elsie Wheatman of rural Decorah. They farmed by Decorah and Ridgeway for many years. In 1963, they moved to the Neste farm west of Decorah, where they farmed until they retired in 1981. Elmer was a deacon at the Lincoln Lutheran Church and helped usher at the First Lutheran Church in Decorah. Elmer and Elsie loved to dance where ever Big Band or Polka music was playing. To the people who knew him, Elmer was a great and honest friend. Elmer was a member of the Decorah Lutheran Church. Elmer’s survivors include one son, Dale Neste & wife Betty, Decorah, IA. Eight grandchildren: Todd, Troy, Dale, Robin, Tonya, Danny, Pat and Teri. Seventeen great grandchildren. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents: Otto and Sophie Neste; his wife, Elsie; one brother: Olaf Neste and one sister: Gladys Vikre.