Elmer J Schrock, 83, of Ness City, Kan., went to the Lord on March 5, 2022, at Ness County Hospital. Born March 21, 1938, in Emma, Ind. He was the son of John and Elizabeth (Wingard) Schrock.
Growing up in an Amish family in Topeka, Ind., Elmer attended school at Honeyview Amish School System. In the eighth grade, like many Amish, he left school to go work on the family farms. Elmer had 11 siblings. When he was 16, he ventured into the modern world during Rumspringa, a time when Amish youth are allowed the opportunity to leave the walls of the Amish community and see what outside life is like.
After experiencing it, they have a choice to continue living the Amish lifestyle or leave it. Elmer chose to leave and experience what life had to offer him. He joined a Bluegrass band and played the mandolin and standup bass while traveling throughout the tri-state area.
He later bought a business in Topeka, Ind., where he met and fell in love with Margaret (Treece) Bauer. They married in Carson City, Nevada, on Dec2. 6, 1969. Elmer and Marge later made their home in Sheridan, Mont. where he worked on the Gilbert ranch.
They moved to Havre, Mont. where he worked in the oil industry and later took a job as a driller for Simmons Drilling Ltd. He also obtained his GED and Real Estate license.
In 1980, Elmer moved his family to western Kansas with his rig to drill oil. After a short time in LaCrosse, Elmer and Marge planted their roots in Ransom, where they lived for over 30 years. Elmer got out of the oil business and purchased the Beer Barn, a bar and grill in Ransom.
In 1985 they sold their business, and he went to work for the City of Ransom. He also did some farming for friends. In his later years, he worked in maintenance at Grisell Memorial Hospital until he retired.
Elmer was a God-fearing, hard-working man who enjoyed gardening and always had a funny saying or comeback. During retirement, you could find him watching his favorite shows, working in his garden or traveling with his wife.
Elmer is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Marge Schrock; daughter, Roxy (Phil) Hagans of Indiana; stepsons, Bill (MaryJo) Bauer of Minnesota and Brady (Dee) Bauer of Ness City; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepson in 2002, Dennis Bauer; six sisters, and one brother.
A memorial service will be at 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 11 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City.
Memorial donations may be given in Elmer Schrock’s memory to the American Lung Association or Cancer Research Institute.
Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book.