Elmer H. Herkenhoff

Herkenhoff, Elmer H. age 89, of Brooklyn Park passed away peacefully on Dec. 15, 2012 in Minneapolis. He is survived by his wife, Joan (Regan); daughter, Mary Jo Cosio (Fernando); son, Jim Herkenhoff (Linda); 5 grandchildren; 3 great- grandchildren; sister, Lorraine (Herkenhoff) Peterson; brother, Ray Herkenhoff; nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary "Rose" Herkenhoff; father, Joseph H. Herkenhoff; sons, Stephen and Kevin Herkenhoff; brothers, Jerome, Leo and Art Herkenhoff. Elmer was born in New Munich, MN on Oct. 6, 1923, where he worked in the family's black smith business and on his uncle's farm while attending Melrose Schools, graduating from Melrose High in 1941. He served in the US Army (1943-1946), Company A220 Armored Battalion, and was deployed to Germany as an interpreter, returning to complete gunnery and air comp training before being honorably discharged. Citations received during his service time include: Oversees Service Bar, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, 2 Bronze Battle Stars and a WW11 Victory Medal. Elmer married Joan Regan, of Minneapolis, on Sept. 16, 1950, settling down in Minneapolis for over four decades to raise a family, and joining the Minneapolis Fire Department in 1951 as a firefighter. His time on the department, and dedication to it, earned him the respect of his peers and led to many cherished lifelong friendships. Elmer served on the department's pension board for several years and rose through the ranks to captain, retiring in 1985 as the Minneapolis Fire Marshall. Elmer was a devoted member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church for over 50 years where he spent countless hours of worship and volunteering. Elmer will long be remembered as a loving family man who, without fail, placed the welfare of others - those he knew, and many he did not - before his own. His generosity and wealth of wisdom created a legacy that will live on, as well his amazing and enduring spirit. Visitation is Wed., Dec. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Washburn-McReavy Glen Haven Funeral Chapel, 5125 W. Broadway, Crystal, and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thurs., Dec. 20 at Our Lady of Victory, 5155 Emerson Ave. N, with service to follow. Memorials preferred to the Kevin Herkenhoff Scholarship Fund at the UofM Foundation to benefit graduates of Patrick Henry High School, and to the HCMC Burn Unit. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Glen Haven Chapel 763-533-8643

Tributes

Elmer H. Herkenhoff

December 15, 2012

Tributes

Elmer H. Herkenhoff

December 15, 2012

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