Elmer A. Unrein

Elmer Aloysius Unrein, 90, of Bennett, CO, passed away July 8, 2023. Elmer was born on July 1, 1933 in Schoenchen, KS, the son of Joseph A. and Angela (Werth) Unrein. He was the ninth child of nine brothers and four sisters.

Elmer served in the U.S. Army from June 1953 to May 1955, stationed in Korea with the 64th Field Artillery Battalion, 25th Division, where he attained the rank of sergeant.  After his military service, he attended Salt City Business College in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Elmer married Rosaline “Rose” Jacobs on August 31, 1955 in Pfeifer, KS. They moved to Colorado the following year, raising their family in the Denver area. They shared 66 years of marriage, and he was a devoted husband and father. Elmer missed his beloved Rosie profoundly since she passed away in September 2021, and he visited her grave daily.

Time spent with family was a topmost priority to Elmer and Rosie. Starting in their days of raising a young family and lasting well into Elmer’s eighties, he and Rosie hosted countless holiday parties and gatherings. They loved to celebrate milestones such as birthdays and anniversaries with their entire circle of loved ones. We remember Elmer’s laughter, witty remarks, and the easy way that he could make conversation with anyone.

Elmer valued a strong work ethic, always being punctual and taking pride in the quality of his work. As a young man, he worked multiple jobs to provide the quality of life he wanted for his wife and children. He finished his career as a warehouse manager for the Cryovac division of W. R. Grace Company in Denver, a loyal employee for nearly 20 years.  He then held a variety of part-time jobs in his retirement years, as he enjoyed staying active.

Elmer was a sports fan especially of his Colorado teams. He always loved birds, and for many years kept pigeon lofts with a sizable flock of birds, some which he raced, as well as doves; hobbies which he enjoyed sharing with his children and grandchildren. Elmer spent a large part of his retirement years enjoying quality time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was grateful that several grandchildren lived nearby, so that he saw them daily for much of their childhoods.  During the summer and holidays, more grandchildren would stay with Elmer and Rosie for weeks to months at a time.

Elmer is survived by his son Neil (Susan) Unrein of Gorham, KS; son Dean Unrein of Gorham, KS; daughter Allisa Franklin of Strasburg, CO; brother Norman (Deborah) Unrein of Portland, OR; sister Eleanor Unrein-Taylor of Wichita, KS; sister-in-law Isabelle Schuckman of Aurora, CO; sister-in-law Carol Moeder of Arvada, CO; sister-in-law Helen Unrein of Fountain Valley, CA; sister-in-law Georgia Unrein of Kearney, NE; and sister-in-law Clairella Jacobs of Hays, KS.  He is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Andrew Unrein, Adam Unrein, Ashley Lara, Rick Unrein, John Unrein-Darbonne, Tiffani Duffy, Lauren Hill, Kaleb Unrein Diedrich, Katie Franklin, T.J. Franklin, Alaina Franklin, Sarah Riley, Joni Nicks, Talia Wilson, and Amber Evans; as well as 30 great-grandchildren and nearly 100 nieces and nephews.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Rose Unrein, son Eric Unrein, son-in-law Scott Franklin; seven brothers Eddie, Marcellus, Victor, Alfred, Alvin, Richard, Virgil; and three sisters Henrietta Ruder, Dolores Giebler, and Lavora Jacobs.