Elmer Fabry

Elmer Fabry, 91, lifelong resident of Green Bay, died Tuesday, July 29, 2008. He was born April 1, 1917, in Kewaunee County, Wis., to Joseph and Genevieve (Dantoin) Fabry. On Sept. 16, 1939, Elmer and the love of his life, Millie Lamal, ran away to Iowa to elope and he remained devoted to her for the next 69 years. Elmer was employed by the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad as a Hostler and with the Green Bay Public School System in the Facilities Department. He also worked for the Packers on the Grounds Crew from 1957 to 1997. During the Ice Bowl, Elmer got the chance to stand next to Vince Lombardi. Elmer stayed busy throughout his retirement by volunteering his time to Paul's Pantry and ushering at St. Vincent's Hospital Chapel, the old St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and the Abbey. Elmer loved to bowl, bowling a 299 game in 1946, and was a founding member of the Western Golfer's Bowling League. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer and gardener. He was a member of St. Willebrord Parish. Elmer prayed the rosary daily and had a deep and profound faith in the Lord. Survivors include his wife, Millie; a sister-in-law, Harriet Fabry, Green Bay; two nephews, Michael (Carol) Fabry, John (Vicky) Fabry, all of Green Bay; and one niece, Marilyn (Gerald) Bins, Wausau. He is further survived by his "adoptive" children, Chris and Dave Sprister, Greg Paulson (godson), Bill and Ann Galvin, Phil and Kim Paulson, Jim and Julie Paulson, Denise and Geno McKeefry, Debbie and Jerry Stein, Doreen Koch (goddaughter); 12 "grandchildren", Erin, Megan, Brittany and Molly Galvin, Jennifer (Kevin) Thompson, Melissa, D.J. and Joey Christensen, Jessica and Jamie Stein, Britney Weronka, Zachery "Bucky" Koch; a special cousin, Bernie Fabry; and a special friend, Marge Koch. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Edmunds (Margaret) Fabry, Walter H. Fabry; and a brother-in-law, Rev. Joe Lamal. Friends may call at St. Willebrord Catholic Church, 209 S. Adams St., from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church with the Rev. Kenneth DeGroot, O. Praem., officiating. Burial will be in Allouez Catholic Cemetery. Green Bay Press Gazette; Aug 1, 2008