Emil Elsner

Emil “Ace” Elsner passed away peacefully the afternoon of November 16, 2012 in Hastings, Mich. He was born on June 22, 1921 (his mother’s birthday) in Benton Harbor, Mich. Ace was the second son of Albert and Henrietta (Jochem) Elsner. After graduating from Benton Harbor High School, he attended Western Michigan University, earning a Bachelor’s of Science Degree and Teaching Certificate in 1943. Ace enlisted in the Army Air Force and became a Medical Corpsman. He was Honorably Discharged in 1946. On June 21, 1947 Ace married his sweetheart, Berta E. Weich, in St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Benton Harbor. After teaching and coaching in Decatur, Mich. for three years, Ace came to Benton Harbor High School in 1949. Along the way, Ace earned a Master’s Degree in Education at the University of Michigan. Ace was a teacher for 37 years before retiring in 1983. He also enjoyed coaching basketball which he did for 25 years, first as Junior Varsity Coach for the Tigers with Don Farnum at his side as the Head Varsity Coach, and then later as Head Coach after Don retired. Some of Ace’s most loved memories were of the Tigers winning the State Basketball Championships in 1964 and 1965. Ace truly appreciated each unique personality of every student and individual that crossed his path. He was an avid golfer and fisherman, but would still enjoy going to antique shops with his wife. From his early youth to the present, Ace never lost his unwavering faithfulness and loyalty to the Chicago Cubs. Nieces and Nephews will always remember Ace as a terrific uncle and coach. Ace was preceded by his parents, Albert and Henrietta Elsner, and his older brother Edward Elsner. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Berta Elsner, his daughter, Connie Elsner, his son-in-law, David Haan; his sister-in-law, Theresa Elsner, his four nephews, Thomas Elsner, James Elsner, Gary Elsner, and Erwin “Duke” Elsner and their families; his niece, Barbara McCoy and her family, and his nephew, Douglas Kuball and his family; his niece, Amy Flaga and her family; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Bonnie Weich, his niece, Kathy Woodrick and her family, and his two nephews, Richard Weich and Heath Weich and their families. Friends may call on Monday from 4 P.M to 7 P.M at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 1:00 P.M Tuesday at Grace Lutheran Church, 404 E. Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor Glenn Rosenbaum officiating. Burial will follow at Ruggles Cemetery, Baroda with military rites conducted by North Berrien Military Rites Team. Those wishing to sign Ace’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ace can be made to Grace Lutheran Church.