Obituary: Elmer W. Splett

Elmer W. Splett, age 92 of Cloquet, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Ecumen Lakeshore in Duluth. He was born Nov. 1, 1931, in Racine, Wisconsin, the son of Emil and Bertha (Schenk) Splett. He was raised in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, and graduated from Turtle Lake High School. Elmer graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Superior with a teaching degree, and then from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a master's degree.

Elmer was united in marriage to Karen Kurschner on August 24, 1956, in Prairie Farm, Wisconsin, and they lived in the Cloquet area since 1960. He was a high school teacher for the Cloquet School District for 31 years, retiring in 1991.

Elmer was a U.S. Army Veteran and enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, spending time with children, and grandchildren, and spending time at the lake home. He was a member of the former Golden K Kiwanis Club and was an active member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Elmer served on the Maple Grove and Hillcrest Cemetery Association Board of Directors and was president for several years. He also enjoyed gardening with his wife, Karen, the love of his life.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Hattie Reylek; and brother, Leonard Splett. He is survived by his wife, Karen; children, Vincent (Katherine) Splett, Suzette (Joseph) Randall, Nanette (Bob Phillips) Tarascio, Delano "Del" (JoD) Splett, Nona Lee (Steve Benike) Splett, Darrell (Susan) Splett; grandchildren, Erik (Stephanie) Splett, Mark (Jackson) Splett, Scott (Lori) Splett, Corissa (Trevor) Seely, Chelsea (Tyler) Ideker, Trevor (Kelvin) Randall-Nguyen, Louie Benike, Kiah Benike, Michael Tarascio, Anthony (Emily) Tarascio; Harley Splett, and Karlie Splett; great-grandchildren, Violet, Johanna, Athena, Lily, Lena , Payson, and Michael.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 16, from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Cloquet, followed with a luncheon in the church social hall. Arrangements are entrusted to Nelson Funeral Care of Cloquet. Memorials are preferred to Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry (Camp Vermilion) or Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

A message from Elmer: I wish to thank my wife Karen of 67 years for being a wonderful wife and companion to me. I wish to thank Jesus for being a friend to me for 92 years. I wish to thank you and hope to see you soon in the future.