Elmer Roy Tucker, Jr.

BROOKLYN-Elmer R. Tucker passed away on Friday, May 6, 2016, at his home. He was born on January 15, 1926 in Gillespie, Illinois to Elmer R. Tucker, Sr. and Clara Viola Davis. Elmer had one sister, Pearl Irene Koester who resides in McHenry, Illinois. On January 14, 1946 at the young age of 18 years old, during World War II, he joined the U.S. Marines and served his country. He was qualified as an Automatic Rifleman. Elmer participated in action against the enemy in Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands and in the occupation of Japan from September 23, 1945 until June 24, 1946 and was discharged on August 8, 1946. He was dedicated to that branch of service and was always easily recognized as a MARINE. In January of 1952 he met Dorothy M. Mesch while roller skating at Acadia Roller Rink in Chicago where he was a guard. Both continued to enjoy roller skating for years. Elmer and Dorothy, both of Chicago, eloped to Chicago Cook County Courts to be married on Friday, October 17, 1952. They honeymooned at Niagara Falls. There were two children born of this marriage, Lorraine Yvonne and Elmer Tucker, III. Elmer and Dorothy continued to have a happy life for 63 years, enjoying their family, friends and homes. Elmer was an awning installer for Cardiff Industries from 1952 until 1978. He then became the manager of three separate men's clubs, in Des Plaines, Illinois from 1978 to 1982, in Lansing, Illinois from 1982 until 1986, and in Madison from 1986 until 1990. Elmer dedicated his entire life to the fraternal order of these three clubs from 1961 until 1990. Elmer and Dorothy purchased a five acre farmette in Brooklyn in 1992 and they continued to reside there until his death. Dorothy continues to live in the house that Elmer designed to be built for her on their farmette. Elmer is survived by his wife, Dorothy; son, Elmer III of Northern Wisconsin; four grandchildren, Lorraine's daughter, Renee Jade Slezak of Warrenville, Illinois, Elmer III's three children, Amber Lyn of Tennessee and Alex Alan and Abbie Renee, both of Wisconsin; sister, Pearl and her son Tom; many nieces and nephews by marriage; and his two beloved dogs, Walker and rescue dog, Alex. Elmer was preceded in death by his daughter, Lorraine, who was taken by ALS in January of 2003. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 1150 Park St., Oregon, at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, with the Rev. Richard Thickpenny presiding. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial with military honors will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Evansville. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., and again on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street (608)835-3515