Submitted by: Dan Rich
Donald M. Elmerick
March 6, 1931 - Dec. 4, 2005
Donald M. "Sonny" Elmerick,
74, of South Bend, passed away at 4:15 p.m. Sunday, December 4,
2005, in his home. He was born March 6, 1931, in South Bend, to
Laverne and Pearl (Gulling) Elmerick, and had remained a
lifelong resident of South Bend's south side. As a young boy he
began working with his father in the construction business, and
continued in the carpentry-construction business the rest of his
life, owning and operating the Elmerick Construction Company.
Work was his life, and he served as a mentor to many young men
learning the carpentry trade.
On November 13, 1949, in South Bend, he
married Dixie A. Niven. He is survived by his loving wife,
Dixie of 56 years, along with a daughter, Darlene (Eldon) Watts
of South Bend; three sons, Donald "Arnie" (Diane)
Elmerick of Columbus, IN, and Dave Elmerick and Dennis Elmerick,
both of South Bend. Also surviving are nine grandchildren,
Christian Elmerick, Rick Watts, Courtney Lane, Denise Hodges,
Justin Elmerick, Robin Elmerick, Cari Elmerick, Shea Elmerick and
Colin Elmerick; eight great-grandchildren; and his sister, Jeanne
(Russell) Geyer of Lakeville. A son, Dwayne Elmerick,
preceded him in death on March 15, 1983.
Services were conducted at 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 7, in Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel,
3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend. Graveside services and
burial followed at Southlawn Cemetery. Contributions in memory of
Mr. Elmerick may be made to the Center for Hospice &
Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN
46637.