Date of death: 8/21/2013
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1966
Elmer C. Dilger, age 73 of Santa Claus, IN, passed away at 7:06 p.m. CDT, Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at home.Elmer was born on June 25, 1940 in Mariah Hill, IN, to Leo E. and Eleanora (Schue) Dilger. He married Carolyn Carpenter on June 25, 1998 at Huntingburg Christian Church.Elmer was a lifelong educator who taught 6th grade at Lincoln Trail Elementary, 5th grade at Clay Huff Elementary, 7th/8th grade at Heritage Hills and Fulda University”.Elmer was an Army Veteran who was selected into the 8th United States Army Honor Guard in 1960. He was stationed in Seoul, South Korea which was composed of soldiers from seven of the United Nations. Their mission was to provide security for dignitaries and the Commanding General.He was a 1958 graduate of Saint Meinrad Minor Seminary High School. After serving in the Army, Elmer graduated from Brescia University in Owensboro Ky. Elmer earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana State University.Elmer was a member of the Santa Claus Town Council from 1999 to the time of his passing. The town of Santa Claus has made a proclamation that December 14th, which coincides with the Festival of Lights, as “Elmer Dilger Day”.Elmer worked during summers doing construction, replacing roofs, and pouring concrete. He was a member of the Santa Claus Park Board for many years.He was a trustee of the Santa Claus United Methodist Church, and a devoted Christian. He was also a member of the Santa Claus American Legion Post #242.Elmer loved Santa Claus IN, the Christmas Season, and was often seen driving around at Christmas time with Santa Claus in his front seat for company.Elmer played Semi-Pro baseball for many years with the Mariah Hills Yankees.After retiring from teaching, Elmer took food to the homeless in Evansville, cooked for community table in Dale, and performed other acts of caring and kindness.Surviving,Wife, Carolyn Dilger, Santa Claus, INTwo daughters,Melissa Dilger Moss, Hendersonville, TNKathryn Carpenter Counsell and spouse Judd, Montclair, NJThree sons,Kenneth J. Carpenter, Largo, FLKurt R. Carpenter and spouse Cindy, Jasper, INGuy Dilger, Dallas, TXNine grandchildren; Alexander and Nicholas Dilger, Kaylin, Joseph, Kyla, Brandon, and Sara Carpenter, Oscar and Walt Counsell.One brotherVernon Dilger and spouse Donna, St. Phillips, INTwo Sisters,Erma Pfeiffer, Evansville, INEileen Scherle and spouse Don, Jasper, INPreceding him in death is one brother, Father Basil Dilger.A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. CDT on Saturday (August, 24, 2013) at the Santa Claus United Methodist Church. Pastor Tim Ahlemeyer will officiate. The Santa Claus American Legion Post #242 will conduct Military Funeral Rites.Visitation will be held on Saturday (August 24, 2013) from 11:00a.m. until the 5:00 p.m. service time at Santa Claus United Methodist Church.Memorial contributions may be made to Evansville United Caring Shelters, or a favorite charity.Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.”