Elmer  Magstadt

Elmer William Magstadt was born on Monday, February 4, 1924 to William and Margaret (Gall) Magstadt on the family farm southeast of Scotland, South Dakota. He graduated from Klinkner Country School after the eighth grade and then took over the family farm due to his father’s illness. On December 6, 1945, Elmer was united in marriage to Ethel Muhmel at Zion Lutheran Church in Scotland. Through the years, they farmed side by side and built up a herd of dairy cows. On the side, Elmer was a corn seed dealer and served on the ASCS Board for Bon Homme County. In 1980, they sold the farm and retired to Scotland. Elmer was then elected to two terms as the County Commissioner.
Elmer and Ethel enjoyed their mutual hobby of golfing as well as traveling. Together they visited all fifty states and a few other countries. He loved spending time on woodworking projects which he would sell or give to others. His favorite pastime was playing pinochle at the pool hall or with family and friends. He was a member of the United Church of Christ in Scotland, sang in the choir, and served on various church boards because of his commitment to Jesus Christ. After spending eight-nine years of his life in Scotland, he decided to spend his last year in Grinnell, Iowa where he passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at St. Francis Manor having attained the age of 90 years, 6 months, and 26 days.
Those who will miss his stories and hugs are his two sons, Ray (Kathy) Magstadt of Elk Point and Rick (Sharon) Magstadt of Grinnell; son-in-law, Harlan (Linda) Jerke of Great Bend, Kansas; eight grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Esther Gall of Scotland; two sisters-in-law, Donna Muhmel of Scotland and Mildred (Ted) Schaeffer of Viborg; and several nieces and nephews.
Elmer was preceded in death by his wife Ethel, his parents, daughter Lois, two sisters: Alta (Peter) Orth and Laura (Jacob) Orth, brothers-in-law Aldon Gall and Floyd Muhmel, and sister-in-law Charlotte (Harold) Pankratz.
Memorials may be directed to the United Church of Christ, Scotland, SD.