Elmer Stanley Greenwald

of Chelsea, Ortonville, and Gregory, MI and Asheville, NC, age 98, died Sunday, September 24, 2017 at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. He was born November 22, 1918 in Luther, Michigan, the son of Emil & Louise (Berndt) Greenwald. Elmer was a member of the Chelsea First United Methodist Church. He worked for Pontiac GM Truck and Coach. Elmer enjoyed being outdoors, fixing things and singing in a variety of barbershop style groups. He played golf and rode horseback into his 90s. Elmer served in the submarine Trutta in the U.S. Navy during WWII.

On April 22, 1950 he married Louise Tarlton in Pontiac, Michigan and she preceded him in death on October 25, 1998. Survivors include a daughter, Pamela (Alan) Mansfield of Chelsea; a daughter-in-law, Sandra Barnhart of NV; a brother, Daniel Greenwald of Davisburg, MI; 6 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. Elmer was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Barnhart; a brother, Ronald Greenwald; and a sister, Ilene Thayer.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 30, 1:00 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge. The family will receive friends Saturday from noon until the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Starry Skies Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, 8133 W Liberty Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.

Comments

#4 Pam Mansfield 2017-10-05 16:49

Here is part of what I said at Dad's funeral:
He taught me love of the outdoors. He set an example of working on outdoor projects and showed me how to help. He taught me how to drive a tractor and take care of tools.
Dad was an electrician in the days when a person could fix their own TV. When I was maybe 7 years old, he taught me how to test vacuum tubes and read electric circuit diagrams.
Dad taught me to take care of myself by staying active and eating healthy foods. We had whole wheat bread when everyone else ate Wonder Bread.
He taught me to play golf, ride horseback, and understand football.
I will also tell you something my mom said that sheds some light on their relationship. There is a song she used to sing from the musical "the King and I" called "Something Wonderful." One of the lines goes: "He will not always say what you would have him say, but now and then he'll say something wonderful." Mom said that song described Dad.

#3 Leslie White 2017-09-27 16:26

My Hero Elmer! From the day I met him we had an instant connection. I was trail riding by his house and he came out to introduce himself and tell me how much he loves horses. We trail rode together after that many times. My favorite time was when we went on his 90th birthday! We spent many hours sitting at his table or on his porch talking about animals, gardening, healthy eating, singing, violas and of course horses. He always came to watch my youngest daughter Nina sing at performances and he joined us at several farm party BBQ's we hosted. He loved all my farm animals and even took home one of my goats once :)
Elmer will forever live in my heart for he was a great friend and a huge inspiration to me of health and wellness. I always told him he was a super hero to me and he would smile that big smile at me. Good bye my dear sweet friend and thank you for all the great advice, tips and memories ❤️

#2 Randall K. Greenwald 2017-09-27 12:02

Danna couldn't have described it better. Some of my memories as a child, were of him and my dad taking me pheasant hunting on his property in Ortonville. I'll always remember that big double barrel shotgun of his.

#1 Danna K Gardner 2017-09-27 08:50

I have so many fond childhood memories of Elmer.
I remember him, my dad, Ronnie and Ilene singing and playing instruments. There was always so much laughter when we were all together.
I miss those times with you and your siblings.
Thanks you for the memories.
Love your niece and fellow horse lover
Danna