Elemer John Keilholz Sr.

Elmer John Keilholz Sr., age 83, of Chamois, passed away on Monday, July 4, 2016, at Jefferson City Nursing and Rehab Center with family by his side. Elmer was born on March 27, 1933, in Chamois, a son to the late George and Edith (Benedict) Keilholz. Elmer attended school in Morrison. On June 5, 1954, he was united in marriage to Jane Kaullen. She preceded him in death on October 16, 2014. Elmer was the owner/operator of Keilholz and Sons Construction for over 40 years. Elmer was an exceptional carpenter and woodworker. He was proud that he had made something for all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to his construction work, Elmer was a lifelong farmer raising cattle and crops. Elmer was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Chamois, Knights of Columbus. Elmer enjoyed deer and coon hunting, fishing, camping at Bennett Springs, and quilting. Elmer is survived by: five children, Elmer Joseph "Joe" Keilholz of Chamois and his friend Verda Rogers, David Keilholz and his wife Sandra of Chamois, Deborah Keilholz of Fulton, Jeffrey Keilholz and his wife Jennifer of Chamois, and Colleen Strope and her husband Rodney of Chamois; eight grandchildren, D.J. Keilholz and his wife Dawna, Daniel Keilholz and his wife Bonnie, Angela Bledsoe and her husband Joe, Amy Keilholz and her friend Chris Albert, Amanda Keilholz, Jacob Keilholz, Tiffany Perrey and her husband Justin, and Zachary Strope; 10 great-grandchildren, Abigail and Brieanna Keilholz, Destiny, Dakota, and Erica Bledsoe, Daylynn and Kenton Perrey, Bethanie, David and Janessa Keilholz; two brothers, Raymond Keilholz and his wife Carol of Jefferson City and Leonard Keilholz and his wife Mary of Chamois; three sisters, Loretta Inserra of St. Louis, Rose Rost, and Mel Rost, both of Morrison, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and his spouse of 60 years, Elmer was preceded in death by: two brothers, George Keilholz Jr. and Clarence Keilholz; and a daughter-in-law, Pam Keilholz. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 8, 2016, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Chamois. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. David Means as the celebrant. Interment will follow in the Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Chamois, Missouri (763-5522) www.mortonchapel.com