Wilmer "Willie" Gene Elbers

SSteen, MN Wilmer "Willie" Elbers, 76, of Brandon, SD, formerly of Steen, MN passed away on December 25, 2013 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD, after a courageous battle with Leukemia. Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 28th at Steen Reformed Church in Steen, MN, with Rev. Dan Kuik officiating. Burial will follow at Eastside Cemetery in Steen, MN. Visitation will be on Friday, December 27th, 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., with family present from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Steen Reformed Church in Steen, MN. Wilmer Gene Elbers was born Oct. 3, 1937 to Edward & Verna (VanderHaar) Elbers, grew up in Steen, MN and graduated from Hills High School in 1955. Wilmer married Betty Boeve on October 6, 1959 and resided in Hills, MN for most of their life until they moved to Brandon, SD in 2006. He was a baptized member of Steen Reformed Church and served as a deacon. Wilmers business endeavors included milk hauling, construction, retail appliance sales, and various manufacturing. He invested in various businesses and real estate, but spent most of his career as owner / CEO of Hills Stainless Steel since 1986 now located in Luverne, MN. He loved the challenge of growing a business, building relationships with people, and deeply loved providing for his family. Wilmer served as a volunteer firefighter, member of the Eagles Club and the Rock County Agricultural Society. Wilmer loved to travel with his wife (especially by RV), visiting family & friends, hunting, fishing, auto racing and a good football game. Wilmer was known and loved by many; no matter where he was he always seemed to run into someone he knew. Blessed be the memory of Willie Elbers. Wilmer is survived by his wife Betty of 54 years, 5 children - Darwin Elbers (Kim) - Sioux Falls, SD, Peggy Hill (Chad) - Charlotte, NC, Twila Walker (Tom) - Luverne, MN, Nyla Hucks (Mack) - Myrtle Beach, SC, and Cheryl Elbers - Sioux Falls, SD, 9 grandchildren - Kelsey Grahn (Peter), Tony Elbers, Chris Iverson, Coryn Iverson, Ryan Walker (Amanda), Steven Walker, Alex Newsome, Mitchell Elbers, Madison Elbers, 1 great grandchild - Zoey Grahn, and 3 siblings - Nelvina Kroese, Edwin Elbers, and Ruth Verbrugge. He is preceded in death by his parents and one stillborn son. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.