Elmer Verle Schlichting of Nora, IL, Lena, IL and Green Bay, WI passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 surrounded by his four children and daughter-in-Law. Elmer was born on May 8, 1929 the only child of Elmer Ernest and Lena Marie (Schindler) Schlichting of Apple River, IL. He was baptized at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Schapville, IL where he attended Sunday school and was also confirmed there. He grew up on a farm near Apple River, IL on N Scout Camp Road in Jo Daviess County. He attended Pine Ridge elementary/grade school and graduated from Apple River high school. On July 21st of 1952 he married the love of his life Audrey Jean Brooker of Avon, WI at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. They resided in and raised 4 children in Nora, IL. Elmer began his working career at Fairbanks Morse in Freeport, IL. He spent most of his working career at Newell Companies in Freeport, IL as a machine designer and builder for 38 years until he and Audrey both retired in 1996. Elmer was called to Public Service, he served on The Nora Township Board and as Mayor, the District 205 School Board 20+ years. With others in our community he started The Blackhawk Park District that acquired land, built playground equipment and installed a pool so the youth of our area had a place to play. He also served on the church council at St. Paul?s Lutheran Church in Warren, IL as well as the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Masonic Temple in Warren, IL and later transferred to the Masonic Temple in Lena, IL. He served as a Mason for nearly 60 years. Elmer enjoyed hunting with his sons and grandsons in Jo Daviess County, Montana and Tennessee. He was an enthusiastic Green Bay Packer fan and attended many games at Milwaukee County Stadium as well as Lambeau Field. Elmer had a unique sense of humor and his favorite movie was Grumpier Old Men.

He is survived by his three sons Mark (Wendy Thompson) Schlichting of Crawfordsville, IN, Mike (Karen Tuescher) Schlichting of Lena, IL, Kurt (Krystal Buske) Schlichting of Green Bay, WI, and his daughter Kim Schlichting of Duluth MN. He has ten Grandchildren and eleven Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death, by his loving wife Audrey.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Thursday January 5, 2017. A Masonic Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM and the Funeral Service at 10:30 AM all at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Schapville, IL. In lieu of flowers a memorial to the Salvation Army will be held in Elmer's name.