Collar, Elmer

Other Events:

• Obituary: 12 May 2007; Appleton Post Crescent

Notes:

Obituary:
Elmer J. Collar, age 89, passed away, Thursday, May 10, 2007, at the Wisconsin Rapids Care Center, Wisconsin Rapids.
Funeral Services are 12 noon Tuesday, at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Al Wierzba will officiate. Burial at Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery, Hortonville, WI.
Elmer was born on June 16, 1917, the son of Wilbur and Gertrude (Dietz) Collar of Hortonville, WI. On September 14, 1938, he married Mary Reimer at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greenville and they enjoyed 66 years together. After 15 years at Kimberly Clark in Neenah, Elmer built and operated The Dugout, a popular social and dining establishment near Hortonville. While at Kimberly Clark, Elmer was the main speaker for the salaried workers at the National Safety Conference in Chicago, IL. A baseball enthusiast, he served as the first general manager of the Wisconsin Rapids Twins, a Class "A" professional baseball affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. While leading the Twins he introduced a wide variety of promotional events. Elmer concluded his working career with the Wisconsin Power and Light Company.
Active in sports all of his life, Elmer played baseball into his mid 40s. Elmer coached youth baseball, football and basketball in Hortonville for 12 years. He managed the city baseball team for nine years (6 champions) and was Umpire in Chief of the State Legion Baseball Tournament for 14 years. A popular area basketball referee and baseball umpire, Elmer helped train other officials and worked numerous games for the Harlem Globe Trotters. He also served as a part-time scout for the Milwaukee Braves and Philadelphia Phillies for 15 years.
Possessing a great sense of humor, Elmer was a fascinating story-teller and enjoyed entertaining others with his recollection of sporting events. An avid sportsman and hunter, he spent quality time with his five sons. Elmer's idea of a good time was to be surrounded by friends, talking sports, telling stories and singing humorous songs. He lived life to the fullest.
Elmer is survived by sons: Larry (Ann) Collar, Wisconsin Rapids; Bill (Holly) Collar, Seymour, WI; Rick Collar, Wisconsin Rapids; Randy (Pam) Collar, Wisconsin Dells; Marty (Carol) Collar, Pocatello, Idaho; grandchildren: Dan, Mike, Susan, Angela and Sarah. Also survived by ten great grandchildren and a sister, Lois (Jerry) Gleason.
Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Mary; three sisters: Marie Schagel, Sally Christiansen and Dorothy Schultz.
Friends may call at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids on Tuesday, from 11 a.m.-12 noon.
Ritchay Funeral Home
1950 12th Street South
Wisconsin Rapids,WI. 54495-0847
ritchayfh@wctc.net

Elmer married Reimer, Mary 14 Sep 1938, St. Mary Catholic Church, Greenville, Wisconsin, USA. Mary (daughter of Reimer, Frank and Zipperer, Anna) was born 8 Dec 1918, Greenville, Outagamie, Wisconsin, USA; died 23 Oct 2004. [Group Sheet]