Elmer J Ulseth

Elmer James Ulseth, 104, of Marysville, died Sunday, November 14, 2021.

He was born on February 7, 1917 in Detroit to the late Thomas and Marit Ulseth.

While a young man growing up in Detroit he was the Mackenzie High School hockey team goalie. In 1934, the team won the Detroit City High School Championship title, thanks to Elmer’s skills.

Elmer served in the U.S. Army during WWII. While he moved posts several times, most of his military career was in Panama as a Bofors 40mm anti-aircraft gunner. Elmer felt the need to serve his country and he did so proudly.

After the war Elmer met Marie Jennings at a local roller-skating rink. Although Marie was a bit shaky on her skates Elmer promised to hold her up and never leave her side.

Marie and Elmer were happily married on June 6, 1947. Together they raised three girls, Karlene Jean (Larry) Olson, Verna Marie (Frank) Jasieniecki, and Janice Carol (David) Whipple. He adored his five grandchildren, Alissa (Eric) Bush, Meredith (Liz) Callahan, Kyle Jasieniecki, Daniel (Lane) Whipple, and AnnMarie (Mike) Mausolf and was similarly thrilled to welcome eight great grandchildren, Ashlynn and Mason Bush, Elliott Claire and Hugh Archer Callahan, Andersen Whipple, and Bridgette, Valerie and Nolan Mausolf. Elmer was preceded in death by his daughter, Verna and his wife, Marie, who died earlier this year at the age of 94.

Elmer and Marie shared 73 wonderful years together cruising the Great Lakes, road tripping to Vegas, and, more recently, enjoying casino bus trips with friends.

He was a talented craftsman, building their two-story brick home in Redford Township where they raised their family and lived for 40 years. He also built three boats in the garage of that home, the largest being a 21-foot cruiser. Later, he and Marie purchased a Sea Ray cruiser and fulfilled a dream of cruising all of the Great Lakes.

Once Elmer retired in 1979, they made the move to Marysville where they lived for 40 years. About two years ago, they moved to Mercy Village. Marie became ill and passed on January 6, 2021 and Elmer continued to live in the apartment independently until just last month. He died peacefully at the Blue Water Hospice Home, and in the same room Marie was in, back in January. Elmer had spent many hours in this room…at the side of his wife…the love of his life….keeping that lifelong promise he made to her at that roller rink so many years ago to never leave her side.

A gentleman and a gentle man. Loved and adored.

No services are planned at this time.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Blue Water Hospice Home, Marysville, MI.

Arrangements are by Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com