E.J. "Shene" Sheneberger

Elmer Sheneberger, age 92 of Rock Rapids, IA, died Saturday, March 14, 2009 in Apache Junction, AZ. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 20th, 2009 at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Rock Rapids, Iowa with Rev. Dean Shelly officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids. Visitation will be Thursday, March 19th from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with family present from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids, IA. Elmer Shene Sheneberger was born August 18, 1916 in Parker, South Dakota, the son of Daniel Keller and Clara (Reimers) Sheneberger. He was raised in Rock Rapids, Iowa and attended Wilson High School. After graduating he continued his education at the University of South Dakota. On August 20, 1942, E.J. enlisted with the United States Coast Guard serving on both the East and West Coasts. He received his honorable discharge on February 9, 1945 and returned to northwest Iowa, living in the Doon and Rock Rapids communities. E.J. dedicated most of his working life to the field of law enforcement, serving as Rock Rapids Police Chief and the Lyon County Sherriff Department. He also worked for the Iowa Department of Transportation. E.J. was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Rock Rapids. He was a very active member of the Masons Border Lodge No. 406, A.F. and A.M. of Rock Rapids where he earned his Shriners status. He was also a member of the Van Anne-Fields Post No. 6960, VFW, the Rex Strait Post No. 103, American Legion, both of Rock Rapids and the Rock Rapids Country Club. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, sailing, fishing, dancing and singing. Through E.J.s golden years, he was blessed to spend many winters in Florida and Arizona. To those who knew E.J., they will remember him for his love for the youth, and always taking the time to recognize them. This past Saturday, March 14, 2009 E.J. died at his winter home in Apache Junction, AZ at the age of 92. He is survived by two nieces, Carol (Vince) Luitjens of George, IA and Bonnie (Tom) Samuelson of Washta, IA; and great-niece, Wendy Samuelson of Des Moines, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Clara Sheneberger; a sister, Vera Akkerman and her husband Ollie Akkerman, nephew-in-law, Glenn Blum; and great-niece Michelle Blum.