Elmer Petzoldt

Elmer "Shorty" Petzoldt, 86, of Jackson died Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Friday, Dec. 27, 1929, in Altenburg, Missouri, to Theobald and Emilia Franke Petzoldt.

As a teenager, he worked in the wheat harvest out west in Oklahoma. Upon returning, he asked out "the future love of his life," Irma Perr. Irma and Shorty were married Aug. 12, 1950.

They had one son, Lynn (Debbie) Petzoldt of Cape Girardeau, and two daughters, Cynthia Carey of Scott City and Tina (Mike) Culver of Cape Girardeau. He had six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He called all grandkids his BeBes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Willard Petzoldt; and a sister, Flora Wunderlich.

Elmer showed his wife his love every day. Everyone should be blessed with that kind of love. Irma went to Heaven on Dec. 23, 2015.

He greeted his grandchildren and great-grandchildren with a huge hug and smile each time he saw them, just like it was their first time.

He was a man who would do anything for anyone. He did many jobs for free for people who just needed a little help.

Sometimes people think about when they're gone, "How will I be remembered?" For Shorty, it will be a beautiful example of a husband, a teacher and lover of his children and grandchildren and, most of all, a man who loved his Lord and read his Bible front to back over and over. We love you, "Papa."

Elmer began employment with Bellman Propane of Altenburg. He was an electrician and plumber by trade. He worked for Landgraf Lumber Company, Cook's Electric and later started "Shorty's" Heating & Cooling.

After retiring, he worked as custodian for Trinity Lutheran Church, Wal-Mart and the Jackson McDonald's.

Shorty was a great lover of the outdoors. He loved to go rabbit hunting and frog gigging with his best friends Doyle Sample and son Lynn. Shorty always had a beagle as a pet.

Elmer was a member of Hanover Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau.

Friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at Hanover Lutheran Church.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church, with the Rev. Tony Kobak officiating.

Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to Hanover Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.