Elmer Marshall Wetmore Jr., a resident of Wheaton 56 years, passed peacefully on September 22nd at age 96. He was born March 3, 1927 in Buffalo, New York to Elmer and Marion Ray (Parmenter) Wetmore. He was raised in Gardner, Massachusetts with his brother Robert.

Upon his graduation from Gardner High School in 1945, Elmer was immediately drafted into the Army and trained for service in the Pacific theater. He was posted in Berlin as the war ended and always remained a patriotic veteran. When he returned home, Elmer used his GI Bill benefits to enroll in Wentworth Institute where he received an engineering degree. He married Dolores Lore in November 1952, and together they built a family with four children. Elmer's career with Kemper Insurance eventually moved the Wetmore family to Wheaton, Illinois in 1967. He became and remained an active member of Gary United Methodist Church throughout his time in Wheaton. An avid gardener, Elmer volunteered with the church's garden club and took pride in his own vegetable garden, roses, and white iris. He enjoyed family vacations to the beach and a great meal of Italian food with family and friends.

A believer in a strong handshake and a New Englander to his core, Elmer was a devoted Patriots fan and could be seen chatting and watching games with friends at Alto Wheaton Assisted Living.

He is survived by his four children, Brian (Deborah) of Brevard, NC, Bruce of Broomfield, CO, Bari (Michel) Wetmore Salathe of Staufen, Switzerland, and David (Anne) of Arlington, VA; thirteen grandchildren, Jeremy (Ashley) and Thomas (Alison), Christopher, Colin, Ryan, Nathan, and Brianna, Philip and Marc, Mathieu, Camille, Mirabelle, and Céleste; four great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by Dolores, his wife of 54 years, brother Robert, daughter-in-law Bernadette and granddaughter Elizabeth.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 29th at 2:00 pm at Gary United Methodist Church, 224 N. Main St., in Wheaton. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Gary United Methodist Church, 224 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at www.hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call the Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.