Elmer L Modlin

Elmer Louis Modlin, 86, of Newton died on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.  The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials in Elmer’s name (checks to Judy Modlin) may be left at the funeral home. Memorials will go to a bench in Elmer's name. 

Elmer, the son of William Oliver and Mary (Ramsey) Modlin, was born on August 17, 1940, in White County, Arkansas.  As a child his family moved to Otley, Iowa and then to Kellogg. On May 30, 1959, Elmer was united in marriage with Judy De Moss in Knoxville.  They made their home in Monroe for a short time before moving to Newton.  Elmer worked for many years and later retired from the Maytag Company.  He and his brother also owned Modlin Moving and Delivery Service.  After retirement, Elmer worked for 12 years at the YMCA. 

Elmer and his brothers enjoyed playing Fast Pitch softball for the A&W team.  He also was a Boy Scout Leader for several years, when his boys were young.  Elmer and Judy enjoyed square dancing with the Newton Squares and were past members of the Moose Lodge.  He was also a member of the UAW Local 997.  Elmer and Judy enjoyed camping, wintering in Tucson, Arizona, and attending their grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities.

Elmer is survived by his wife, Judy Modlin of Newton; sons, Rick (Bev) Modlin of Ankeny and Craig (Darla) Modlin of Newton; his grandchildren, Tim (Christine) Modlin, Kelli (Heath) Buskovick, Chrissy (Jeremy) Patterson, Stephanie (Rob) Proper, Matt (Karly) Modlin, Ryan Modlin, and Brandon Modlin; great-grandchildren, Henry, Elliot, Elmer James, Abbi, Caden, Jaxon, Isabelle, Lily, Ryker, Blakeley, Lainey, Mila, Teegan, and Asher; and his brother, Jim (Lynda) Modlin of Pella.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, William Oliver “JR” Modlin, Vernon Modlin, Faye Clark, LoyBelle Stine, LD “Bo” Modlin, Hoy Modlin, and Bob Modlin. 

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