Jan. 4, 1928 — Sept. 9, 2016

Elmer R. Domke, 88, of Niles, passed away on Friday, Sept. 9, 2016, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, following a brief illness.

Elmer was born in Niles to the late Paul and Beata (Kulis) Domke.

After graduating high school, Elmer enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving his country proudly during World War II. Elmer married Yvonne Swem at a ceremony in Galien on Nov. 24, 1956. He retired from Conrail after nearly 50 years. Elmer began his passion for raising homing pigeons at a young age and continued throughout his life. Elmer also enjoyed time outdoors, often hunting and fishing. A man of faith he was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Niles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and two sisters.

Elmer is survived by his wife of nearly sixty years, Yvonne Domke of Niles and a daughter, Lori (Marty) Dutka of South Bend.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016, at the Mission Hills Memorial Chapel. A time of visitation will begin one hour prior. An interment will be held at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens and Military Honors will be performed by the U.S. Army.

Memorial contributions may be made in Elmer’s memory to Support our Troops and Veterans Inc. R-Vets, 1236 Huntly Road, Niles, Michigan 49120 or to a charity of the ones choice.

Memories of Elmer may be shared with his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.