Elmer Rome

Elmer Dale Rome, 87 years old, died peacefully on February 14, 2011 after a brave battle with cancer at his home in Rosemount, MN. Elmer was born on September 17, 1923 in Fargo, North Dakota to Ole and Emma (Kommer) Rome. He graduated from Hibbing High School in Hibbing, MN and enlisted with the Navy. As a fighting Sea Bee, he fought for our freedom at the battle of Iwo Jima in February 1945. When he returned from WWII, he was joined in marriage to Mary Ellen Steichen on July 5, 1946 in Keewatin, MN. As a business entrepreneur he was considered a pioneer in the mobile home and modular housing industries. He owned and operated Hilton Homes, Castle Towers and Trademark Homes and enjoyed funding many other entrepreneurial projects and businesses. He and Mary Ellen lived in Guttenberg, IA from 1957 to 1986. They spent their retirement years in Arizona and Minnesota and enjoyed traveling the U.S. Elmer was an avid golfer and founding member of the Guttenberg Golf Course. He supported many community projects including the Guttenberg Nursing Home. He was a major benefactor to several charitable organizations including the Guttenberg Library, St Marys Church, Divine Word Seminary, St. Josephs Indian School and the Boy Scouts. His wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his love and joy. Family get togethers and events were the most cherished times of his life. He will be lovingly remembered by his children: Barbara (Dick) Schoenauer of Dubuque, IA, daughter-in-law Jean Rome of Lincolnton, NC, Kathy (Paul) Krieg of Colesburg, IA, Mary Ann (Doug) Osborne of Ham Lake, MN, Patrick (Maurna) Rome of Albert Lea, MN, Michael Rome of Hopkins, MN, John (Shelly) Rome of Mesa, AZ, Jayne (Colin) Schultz of Hampton, MN, Brian (Tegwin) Rome of Chanhassen, MN and TJ (Michele) Rome of Rosemount, MN. Grandchildren: Steven (Lori) Schoenauer, Lisa (Greg) Rossmiller, Tiffany & Amy Rome, Shannon (Steven) Bridges, Jennifer (Brad) McClimon, Chris (Susan) Krieg, Kristy (Tuck) Foree, Joseph Osborne, Alex, Ben & Molly Rome, Maggie & Annie Rome, Tony, Emma & Elle Schultz, Abigail, Noah, Caleb, Olivia & Sophia Rome, and Andrew & Caitlyn Rome; Great-grandchildren: Hunter & Cade Schoenauer, Grace, Ally & Sienna Rossmiller, Lauren & Evan McClimon, Brianna & Lillian Krieg, Madeline & Claire Foree and Mary Ellen Bridges; his sister Caryl Sarago and many nieces & nephews. Elmer was greeted in heaven by the love of his life Mary Ellen, his son, Roy Rome; his granddaughter, Heather Rome; his great granddaughter, Addison Krieg; his mother Emma Rome; his brothers Oliver Rome and Roy Rome; and his sisters Gladyce Holtzbauer, Dorothy Molesky, Delores Marinaro and Donna Johnson.In remembrance of Elmers strong belief in education, the family requests that memorials be given to the Guttenberg Public Library or the charity of your choice. The Library's address is 603 S. 2nd St Guttenberg, IA 52052Visitation: Friday 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. February 18, 2011 at the Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home Guttenberg, Iowa and one hour before service at church.Funeral Service: Saturday 10:00 A.M. February 19, 2011 at St. Mary's Catholic Church Guttenberg, IowaInterment: Mt. Olivet Cemetery Guttenberg, Iowa Service Information A service summary is not available