MADISON - LeRoy Dean Elmer, age 86, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Agrace HospiceCare. 

He was born on March 9, 1940, in Monticello, Wis., the son of Leon Elmer and Linda (Prill) Elmer in their dairy farm home. LeRoy graduated from Delevan School of the Deaf in 1960. He was united in marriage to Donna Thorpe on February 14, 1976. She passed away in December of 2025, just shy of celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

LeRoy worked in facilities for UW-Madison for many years. He held many leadership roles within the Madison Association of the Deaf, serving as both President and Vice President. He was recognized as an All-Time Angler with the National Bass Association of the Deaf and also served as secretary for the Wisconsin Deaf Campers at one point. He was a proud lifelong member of Our Savior Deaf Lutheran Church. LeRoy and Donna enjoyed many years of traveling when their children were young and also enjoyed over 20 years of annual camping trips as a family.

LeRoy enjoyed playing cards, especially 500, cribbage, and sheepshead, and later in life found great enjoyment in golfing, even though he (admittedly) was not very good at it. He looked forward to attending the Senior Citizen Breakfast Club on the first Tuesday of every month. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking and puzzles, including 3D puzzles. LeRoy and Donna also spent many happy years bowling together in leagues in their younger years.

Above all, LeRoy was a devoted family man who took great pride in supporting his children in every aspect of their lives, always giving his wholehearted encouragement. He was especially proud of his two children who served in the United States Marine Corps. LeRoy deeply cherished his grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them.

LeRoy is survived by his children, Carrie (Paul Ledin) Elmer, Sherri Elmer and Andrew (Jennifer Hight) Elmer; grandchildren, Sydney (Barron Carns) Elmer, Taylor Beckett, Rylee Elmer and Sawyer Elmer; sister, LaVon Aagard; sisters-in-law, Nancy Elmer, Kerry (Steve) Sheridan, Jo Wischnewski and Robin (Terry) Fink; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; parents, Leon and Linda Elmer; parents-in-law, Donald and Dorothy Thorpe; brother, Leon Elmer Jr.; brothers-in-law, Roy Aagard, Gary Wischnewski and Paul Thorpe; niece, Wendy Elmer; and nephew, Mike Elmer.

A memorial service will be held at MONONA LUTHERAN CHURCH/OUR SAVIOR DEAF LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4411 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the start of the service on Saturday. A light lunch will be served following service; all are encouraged and welcome to attend.

Flowers and Memorials may be made to Our Savior Deaf Lutheran Church. A very special thank you from the family to Encompass Heath Rehabilitation Center (Dan again!), St. Mary’s Hospital, and Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

LeRoy Dean Elmer

March 09, 1940 - May 26, 2026

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