Elmer Moss

Elmer Moss, 90, of West Union, Iowa, passed away Monday,  Nov. 1, 2021, at Stoney Brook Assisted Living in West Union, Iowa.  He was born on January 24, 1931, to Neal and Tillie Moss in Carmel, Iowa. He attended a country school.  He was united in marriage with Harriet Renes, the love of his life, at her parent’s home on June 11, 1951. They made their home on Elmer’s family farm near Carmel, Iowa where they began their family.  

     Elmer continued farming, on the family farm.  From there he started his sales career for OCCO Feeds, where he moved up the ladder to District and then Division Manager.  As he was promoted to the Division Manager position, it required moving his family to West Union, Iowa.    

     Staying in sales, he worked for various other companies including AAA, M&M Feeds, CEN-PE-CO Oil Co., and Conklin.  In 1978 he began a business, Moss Roofing, with two of his sons.

     Along with providing for his wife and family, he took on other roles.  He was very involved in the Church and a member of several churches throughout his life including the Carmel Reformed Church in NW Iowa, the West Union Wesleyan Church, and the Fayette Community (Wesleyan) Church.  For many years, he was very active with Gideons International, including distributing Bibles.  He served the City of West Union as a City Council Member.  He played a significant role in several projects such as building the new water tower, building the airport, sewer plant, and was instrumental in bringing Atwood to town.  

     Elmer loved the Lord and looked forward to going to his heavenly home, joining his wife Harriet and many other family and friends.  Many times, he would say, “I can’t believe I got to be 90 years old”.  

     Elmer & Harriet were blessed with the opportunity to become snowbirds and escape the cold Iowa winters in sunny Mesa, Arizona.  They made numerous new friends as well as getting re-acquainted with childhood friends.  He looked forward to spending time with them each year, creating many great memories.

     Left to cherish Elmer’s memory are his children:  Earl (Joann) Moss of West Union, Jim (Joyce) Moss of Lansing, Wayne (Gail) Moss of West Union, Twyla (Dennis) McElree of West Union, Sandy (Randy) Mullikin of Springdale, Arkansas, Paulette (Ken) Settje of Forest, Virginia, June (Roy) Edwards of Springdale, Arkansas, and Daryl (Megan) Moss of West Union.  He was blessed with 19 grandchildren, and their spouses, and 23 great grandchildren.  

     He was preceded in death by his parents: Neal and Tillie Moss, in-laws Jake and Geraldine Renes.  Brothers:  Albert (Henrietta) Moss, Art (Matilda) Moss, Henry (Iola) Moss.  Brothers and Sisters-in-Law including Henry, Sam (Mina), and John Renes, Phillip Martini, Jim Albertson, and John Vander Stelt.   Also, son-in-law, Kenneth Sutton and grandson, Jonathan Gossman.

Visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in West Union, Iowa. There was also a one hour visitation before services at the church on Friday.

Funeral Service were held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 5, 2021 at Fayette Community Church in Fayette, Iowa with Rev. Andy Sayer as the officiant. 

Burial followed at West Union Cemetery in West Union, Iowa.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in West Union, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.