Elmer Menninga, 88 passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at his home in Summerfield, Kansas. He was born on December 6, 1928 at his parents home east of Bookwalter and later moved to a farmhouse south of Bookwalter.

Elmer spent his early years of school attending a country school in Bookwalter, finishing his schooling in Barneston, Nebraska.

Elmer married Sandra Colson on August 23, 1967 at the Lutheran Church in Summerfield, Kansas.  Elmer and Sandra moved into their home in Summerfield where they spent their entire married life.

Elmer farmed with his nephew, George Weirs, in the Bookwalter area until 1983.   He also drove a school bus for 48 years for Barneston, Summerfield and Axtell schools.  Upon retiring, he continued working part time transporting residents for Twin Valley in Beattie, Kansas.

Elmer enjoyed his time driving a school bus and loved interacting with the school kids.  He was also well known for his annual Christmas light display.  His family was his ultimate joy and his face would light up whenever he got to see his grandchildren.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, George and Grace Menninga, his brothers, Albert Menninga and Casper Menninga, his sisters, Emma Dewey, Irene Roberts, Henrietta Weirs and Marie Clark.

Elmer is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Sandra Menninga of Summerfield, Kansas, his children, daughter, Lauretta Olberding of Summerfield, KS, son, David Menninga and wife Tammy of rural Burchard, NE, his grandchildren, Alyssa and Kesey Olberding, Alex, Sabre, Krista and Drew Menninga, two great grandchildren, Carter Winslow and Jaelynn Young, sister, Frieda Delp of New York, special nephew, George Weirs.

Services 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 8, 2017 at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Officiating Pastor Eric Biehl.  Visitation on Sunday, May 7, 2017 from Noon-8 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Interment at the Summerfield Cemetery, Summerfield, Kansas.  Memorials to family choice. On line condolence may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com