Eileen Mackey Downing Underberg, South Africa – Posted On: April 25, 2018

Elmer was a great friend to my parents, and we definitely enjoyed his turkeys and garden vegetables when we visited my parents in the summers. We visited Elmer's house in Brule once where he played his concertina for my (then) little boy Otis, who was enthralled. We even got a tiny concertina for Otis, and he and his brothers still love to play on it when I let them. Elmer was definitely a character that will be remembered. Our condolences to his family.

Joyce Szemraj Dirksen San Diego, California – Posted On: April 16, 2018

Butch was a very "special" person. I was saddened when I learned he had gotten sick, he was so vivacious and full of energy. I will always cherish the memories we shared. As a kid I got to ride on the back of his snow mobile behind my parents' house in Edgar. He enjoyed every minute of his day and his love of nature and music he shared with many. Rest in peace dear cousin!

Ken and Judy Peterson Edgar, Wis. – Posted On: April 16, 2018

What I will remember about my good friend Elmer was going and spending a couple days with him. Going toDelta Lake fishing or going to the Crow bar for a fish fry. He was proud of his accomplishments and took great pride in the Lions club and selling raffle tickets for them . His one regret was that he didn’t get to play Major League Baseball. He would play that concertina especially his 1932 Hengel in the key of C. The one thingI will miss most is his almost daily phone calls just to chat about the weather or baseball. And when we would send him cookies his first remark was that postage is high. One of his comments what’s a mother to do ? Get the pine axe. Our phone doesn’t ring as often any more but will cherish all the great memories. R.I.P old friend.

Richard and Kathy Mackey Ashland, Wisconsin – Posted On: April 11, 2018

Elmer Lewan was a wonderful friend for 24 years. His skills were many. He was a Wisconsin Conservation Officer for 27 years, and served with distinction. After retirement, he served 15 years as the Trail Manager for the 62-mile Tri-County Recreational Corridor. I worked with Elmer on the Corridor, and his dedication to the Corridor was superb. He loved his concertina, and his beautiful music entertained thousands over the years. Elmer's fishing and hunting skills were an important part of his life. His large garden was his pride, and he shared generously. He was devoted to his Lions Club, and received many local and national honors, including the prestigious Melvin Jones Award. His smile, occasional jokes and valued friendship will be missed, but the good times with Elmer will always be with us. We send our comforting thoughts to all of his family, whom he often talked about with great pride and affection. Richard and Kathy