Richard "Brenton" Elser

Richard "Brenton" Elser, 93, of Albion, passed away on Wednesday, July 17th just shy of his 94th birthday, which would have been on August 28th. Born in 1930, he was a lifetime resident of Noble County and had only recently relocated to Eastern Oregon to be with his daughter Elaine, his granddaughters, and their families.

Brenton graduated from Albion-Jefferson High School in the Class of 1948 and served his country as an Automobile Mechanic in the United States Air Force during the Korean War from 1948 to 1951. After returning from service, Brenton worked with his father on the family farm and later was a master carpenter alongside his brother Charlie. The majority of his working years, however, were spent as a long-time employee of Burnworth-Zollars in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Brenton married Roberta Smith in July 1955 at Asbury United Methodist Church in Albion. 

Brenton cherished every moment spent with his wife, whom he lovingly referred to as his best friend. He found joy gathering with his family and grandchildren at their lake property, where they created countless memories together. Brenton was happiest outdoors, whether tending to his garden or fixing things around the house. He had a profound love for history books and never turned down the opportunity for a good game of cards.

Brenton was a 50-year member of the Albion Masonic Lodge F & AM #97, the Scottish Rite in Fort Wayne, the Albion American Legion Post #246, and a member of Asbury United Methodist Church. Brenton and Roberta's love and dedication to each other and their community will be fondly remembered by all who knew them.

Brenton was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Roberta, who passed away in October of 2020. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Charles M. and Cleone (Reidenbach) Elser, and his siblings: Burnell and Nadine (Mault) Elser, Clifton and Vonita (Elser) Bair, Charles and Marjorie (Parker) Elser, Raymond Elser, Robert and Elizabeth (Elser) Shellman, Robert Coil, Robert Smith, James Elser, and Harold Elser.

Brenton is survived by his daughter, Elaine (Mike) Rehling, his granddaughters, Dr. Michelle (Bryan) Tolle and Nicole (Blaise) Felty and his great-grandchildren Harrison (Felty), Cora (Tolle), as well as another baby boy Felty due in September. He is also survived by his sister Helen (Elser) Coil of Albion, IN, sisters-in-law Peggy (Carpenter) Elser of Albion, IN, Ann (Kinnison) Elser of Ligonier, IN, Betty Smith of Albion, IN, Patricia (Steigmeyer) Elser Frymeir of Auburn, IN, and many beloved nieces and nephews residing in the Albion area, Fort Wayne, and Indianapolis.

Services for Brenton are being held on Saturday July 27th, 2024, at Harper Funeral Homes, Albion Chapel, 771 Trail Ridge Road, with visitation from 9:00am - 1:30pm.  A Masonic Service will begin at 1:30pm followed by a funeral service. Graveside services with military honors provided by the United States Air Force and American Legion will take place at Sparta Cemetery in Kimmel, IN immediately following the service.

There will be a dinner for friends and family at the American Legion on Friday, July 26th at 5:30 pm.

Memorials in Brenton's memory may be directed to the Albion Masonic Lodge F & AM #97. 

To leave an online condolence or sign the guestbook, visit www.harperfuneralhomes.com

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