Elmer Mannisto, 98, died on Sunday, September 8, 2019, at the Estelline Nursing and Care Center in Estelline, South Dakota.  Following Elmer's wishes, no funeral services will be held.  A graveside service will be held on Monday, September 16, 2019, at 1:00 P.M. at the Elmwood Cemetery in Bruce, where Elmer will be reunited with his late wife, Marie. Refreshments and a time of fellowship will immediately follow the service at the home of Ray Vander Wall, 401 North Samara Avenue, Volga, South Dakota.  All are welcome to attend.

Elmer Roy Mannisto was born on September 23, 1920, at Ahmeek, Michigan, to Leander and Hilda (Erickson) Mannisto. His father died in a Mohawk Copper Mine accident in Mohawk, Michigan when Elmer was seven years old. His mother later remarried, and the family farmed in Bruce Crossing, Michigan.

He attended eight years of grammar school and later worked as a dairy farm hand. In November of 1942, Elmer enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as an airplane and engine mechanic. He was stationed in England as a mechanic on B17 bombers and towing fighter planes from docks in Liverpool and getting them ready to escort and protect the bombers flying into Germany during WWII. He spent over three years in the European Theatre. He was discharged February 1946 as a Staff Sergeant.

Elmer met Marie (Thoms) on a bowling league in Chicago, Illinois and they were married on October 28, 1950. Interesting that Marie and Elmer share the same birthday (Elmer was older by two hours). They lived in Chicago, Waukegan, Grayslake and Wildwood, Illinois. Following retirement in 1980, they lived in Arkansas, San Diego, California, Mesa, Arizona, Volga, South Dakota and Elmer most recently at Estelline, South Dakota.

Elmer enjoyed fishing, walking, traveling, square dance and RV clubs and helping friends in need. He especially enjoyed and appreciated joining the SD Veterans Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2011. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews of the Mannisto family and nieces of the Thoms family: Carolyn Malone Satter of San Diego, California and Marlys (Ray) Vander Wal of Volga, South Dakota; and nephew, Gene (Carol) Derdall of Kimball, South Dakota.

In addition to his wife, Elmer was predeased by his parents and stepfather, brothers, Wilbert Mannisto (died at birth), Albert Mannisto (died at age 11), Oscar (Sylvia) Mannisto and Theodore Mannisto and sisters, Alice (Kauno)Hamalainen and Mildred (Lawrence) Mattson.

In remembrance of his beloved wife Marie, Elmer wrote the following poem for her following her death,

To Marie:

When the call to arms was sounded, you went and gave your best.

Now our Heavenly Father has called you for eternal peace and rest.

We will meet up yonder and walk hand-in-hand again.

Love, Elmer