Elmer James Echternach, the son of Archie and Enid Conley Echternach, was born October 15, 1927 in Lewis, Iowa. He died on Sunday, October 26, 2008 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 81 years and 11 days. Elmer was raised on a farm near Coburg, Iowa where he attended school through his freshman year. When Elmer was a sophomore he and his family moved to the Wales area. Elmer graduated from Wales-Lincoln High School in l945. Following graduation, he entered the U.S. Army serving during WW II as a paratrooper. Elmer was united in marriage to Aline Graham on March 20, 1948 in Red Oak, Iowa. Elmer worked for R. K. Belt & Sons for many years as a mechanic. In 1972, he began working for the city of Red Oak as a police officer. Elmer served the citizens of Red Oak as their Chief of Police from 1975 until l989, when he retired. He enjoyed fishing and hunting especially with Mike, along with woodworking and recently, jigsaw puzzles. Most importantly, Elmer and Aline loved to follow the grandchildren in their sporting events, attending all their games. Elmer was a member of the First United Methodist Church and Eagles Lodge both of Red Oak. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers: Lavern and Dale; and sister, Glendora Pool. Elmer is survived by his wife, Aline Echternach of Red Oak, Iowa; children: Kathy Echternach of Denver, CO; Mike Echternach and wife Cindy of Red Oak, IA; and Lori Johnson of Red Oak, IA; 5 grandchildren: Amy Westerlund and husband Terry of Red Oak, IA; Jaimy Echternach of Omaha, NE; Angie Terry of Red Oak, IA; Jake and Jet Echternach of Red Oak, IA; 5 great-grandchildren: Seth Esaias, Noah Westerlund, Alec Axon, Jaxon Terry, and Cayden Echternach; brother, Wayne Echternach and wife Ruth of Stanton, IA; sister, Leota Garrison of Ida Grove, IA; nieces, nephews, along with other relatives and a host of friends. May God bless his memory and give strength to those mourn. Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home, Red Oak Burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak Rev. Fred Pilecki, Officiating Family requests memorials to the Red Oak Police Department in lieu of flowers Open Viewing on Monday from 12:00 noon - 8:00 p.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home Services entrusted to Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home