Elmer W. Martin, 78 of Valparaiso, passed away Monday, September 21, 2026. He was born on January 31, 1948 in Valparaiso, the son of Maurice “Ben” and Violette (Breitzke) Martin. Elmer made his career, for over 30 years, as a manufacturing engineer in the electrical division at McGill Manufacturing. He found enjoyment in photography and spending time in his backyard feeding and watching all the animals that would stop for a visit.
On March 1, 1969, Elmer married JoAnn Hardin who survives along with their children, Sheri (Matt Grove) Martin, Jason (Jeannie) Martin, and Tonya (Jason) Haupert; grandchildren, Megan (Ross) Smith, Ben (Macy) Martin, Taylor (Xander) Kreul, and A.J. Haupert; great grandchildren, Nora Smith and Beckett Kreul; siblings, Paul (Donna) Martin, Roy (Mary) Martin, and Sylvia Bardusk; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Fred Martin.
A private family memorial service was held with cremation at Angelcrest Crematory, Valparaiso. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the American Diabetes Association.
GUESTBOOK
Hearts, -Roy & Mary Martin
Don and I are so sorry to see that Elmer passed. He was always such a gracious neighbor to us and our sons while we lived on Larimar. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love, -Don, Karen, Drew, and Aaron Finley
So very sorry to hear of Elmer’s passing. He was always a nice person to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. -Patty Vandevelde
I'm so sorry to hear that Elmer has passed. I was a coworker with Elmer at McGill Mfg. We became good friends when I was hired to operate the Engineering test lab. We had many wonderful luncheons together over the years. When I became a product Engineer, Elmer and I even worked closer together. I always joked with him about his old Ford truck. The back fender was rusted loose and would wiggle from the bumps and wind going down the road. I teased him that his truck would wave to me as I walked to work. He always had a good laugh and a grin. Haven't visited with Elmer since the closing of the McGill Electrical Division. I moved to Michigan but we kept in touch through the years through Face Book. I truly enjoyed his exceptional ability to take wild life pictures. He had that special gift with photography that was a true enjoyment to me and all others who new Elmer 's quality. He will truly be missed by friends and family. Rest in God's Peace, Elmer. -Louis Simmons
Just googled him this evening to see if he ever published a coffee table book on the wildlife of northwestern Indiana, loaded with his pictures of course. I was shocked and dismayed to discover that he had recently passed. Elmer and I were old friends back in the 60's and 70's. We both worked in the bearing division of McGill's for a while, and I volunteered for the draft when he was drafted. Lucky us, we went to the induction center in Chicago on the same bus and came home on the same bus, missing the Vietnam war altogether. I eventually moved to Wyoming, then to Colorado, then back to Wyoming, where I am currently. Spent a lot of warm summer nights cruising around the south end of the county in his convertible and playing cards until the wee hours of the morning at the local pizza joint. He was thin as a rail back then and Bob Claussen hung the moniker 'Bones' on him. I haven't seen him in a number of years. I wish the very best for his wife and children, and I am so sorry for your loss. -Fred Arnold
