Elmer David Kracht was born May 29th, 1924 to Chris and Olga (Kahler) Kracht on a small farm south of Burke, South Dakota and gained his angel wings at the Burke Community Memorial Hospital on January 10th, 2014 at the age of 89.

Elmer was the oldest of four children. He attended school thru the 8th grade at which time he began farming with his father. This was the beginning of his love of farming and raising animals, which had a very special place in his heart.

He was united in marriage to Margaret Lenser on February 25th, 1946 at Grace Lutheran Church in Burke, South Dakota. They continued to live on the farm south of Burke where they were blessed with their two dear children, James Edward in 1950 and Kathleen Ann in 1957. Elmer was very active in county and church boards. He was an active member of the Peace Lutheran Church until the closing at which time he joined the Grace Lutheran Church.

Elmer and Margaret enjoyed every minute of being on the farm with their children. Jim's life was taken at the early age of 26 due to cancer. After his passing, Kathy and Tiny had the privilege of moving only a quarter of a mile from Elmer & Margaret to help manage the farm. During that time, Elmer taught Tiny all his farming skills. Margaret passed away in 1992 after a long, joyous 46 years of marriage.

Elmer was re-married on December 27th, 1993 to Vervil (Zimmerman) Wolf. They also had a strong 20 years of marriage together. They resided on the farm south of Burke until her passing on August 29th, 2013.

Elmer had a long fought battle with cancer over the years. He never once gave up. He always said, "No Pain, No Cure". It didn't matter what the doctor said, he would always say: "What else can we try". He was always there to encourage others with cancer and never once would you hear him complain. He always kept up the strong fight and set many goals which he accomplished every single one.

Elmer enjoyed hunting, raising his Black Angus cattle, and riding his 4-wheeler. He would spend hours riding around the farm checking livestock, crops, and the wild life. The highlight of his life was always his grandkids and great-grandkids. He always had some type of candy in his pocket (usually M & M's). He trusted in the Lord and always had him in his life. Elmer and Kathy were blessed to have had communion one last time together on Tuesday.

He leaves to mourn his daughter Kathy (Tiny) Sachtjen of Gregory, SD; daughter-in-law Lois (Dean) Janzing of Atkinson, NE; special daughters Kinga Tumbasz of Sao Paulo Brazil & Cindy (Troy) Binde of Watertown, SD; five grandchildren: Mistie Sachtjen, Travis (Amanda) Sachtjen , Christie (Derek) Anderson, James Lee Kracht, and Preston Janzing ; great grandchildren: Brylee, Kinslee, Ryan, James, Chelsie, Paige, and Jack.

He is also survived by Vervil's children Michaela (Terry) Sachtjen of Naper, NE; Elizabeth "Jody" (Jerry) Bartling of Vermillion, SD; Damon "Charlie" (Cindy) Wolf of Burke, SD. Along with many grandchildren and great grand children. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Olga; his son, Jim in 1976, his wife Margaret in 1992 and his wife Vervil in 2013.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church in Burke. There will be a visitation on Saturday from 4 PM to 7 PM, with family present, at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke.