Louis George Elgert

We rejoice that our faithful servant, father, grandfather, uncle, Rev. Louis G. Elgert experienced the Gospel of John 11 this morning, April 10, 2011. John 11: 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Louis Elgert proclaimed that faith throughout his life and during a progressive struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born March 29, 1923 in Bristol, CT, to Julius and Ottilie (Roda) Elgert, he was the last of his 8 siblings. He is survived by his children, Lois Elgert Ford of Eustis, FL; John (Kathleen) of Colchester, VT; and Paul (Carol) of Commack, NY as well as grandchildren, Caroline and Susanna (Commack, NY); Peter and Rachel (Colchester, VT) and many nephews and nieces. He served his country and God, whom he loved deeply and served faithfully his entire life, starting his business career as an employee for Traveler’s Insurance, Hartford, CT. He was guided to enlist in the Army Air Corps in August 1942 by Psalm 91: 9-12 “ 9 If you say, “The LORD is my refuge and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will, and come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” He served in the 91st Bomb Group, 405th Bomb Squadron, 8th Air Force, 1st Wing, 1st Division stationed in Bassingbourn, England arriving June 16, 1944. Rising to the rank of Technical Sergeant, he flew 11 missions as radio operator/gunner aboard B17 Flying Fortress, 42-97467 LL-F. On their way to the Peenemunde, Germany rocket bases on July 18, 1944, his plane experienced engine problems that forced them to turn north toward Malmo, Sweden, landing with only one remaining engine. He was interred in Sweden until early 1945. He was honorably discharged November 2, 1945, he boasted, “3 years, 3 months, and 3 days” after his enlistment. After the war, he fulfilled his promise to attend seminary. During his vicarage at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Corona Queens, New York, he met and courted Lillian Althaus (1/13/1925-3/29/2005), an accomplished church organist. They married on June 24, 1951. On December 31, 1952 he received his Bachelors in Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary, Springfield, IL. and accepted a call to serve as pastor for both St. Paul Lutheran Church, McCreary and Zion Lutheran Church, Plumas, Manitoba, Canada. Daughter Lois Jean and son John Ernest soon followed. Rev. Elgert accepted a call from St. Luke Lutheran Church, Putman Valley, New York, being installed on May 15, 1955. Son Paul Andrew arrived the next year. After 12 years, he accepted a call to Trinity Lutheran Church, Easthampton, Massachusetts where he served from October 31, 1967 until his retirement in July 1989. After his retirement to Ocala Florida, he served periodically as vacancy pastor in area churches, including Rainbow Lakes Lutheran Church (now Peace Lutheran Church) of Dunnellon FL until he became full time caregiver to wife Lillian who suffered progressive disability from Parkinson’s disease. He was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Ocala, FL. He moved to Eustis, FL with daughter Lois in 2005 when Lillian needed more intensive nursing care, but her nursing home care never started, and after nearly 54 years of marriage, she received her re-birth to new life with Christ on his earthly 82 birthday. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church of Eustis FL where service to celebrate his life will be held Friday, April 15, 2011 at 11:00am immediately followed by a luncheon at the church. Burial will be at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL with open house following at the Ford residence, Eustis FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Lutheran World Relief, LWML or to Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne IN at www.lcms.org Online Guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis.