Elmer Robert Kinnetz, son of Leo A. and Viola (Schutt) Kinnetz, was born April 9, 1933 on the farm near Osgood, Iowa. He received his education in country school near Osgood.

Elmer served in the United States Army from 1954 until being honorably discharged in 1955. While serving his country, Elmer was stationed in Germany.

On June 19, 1955, Elmer was united in marriage to Genevieve Mae Galbraith at the Methodist Church in Graettinger, Iowa.

Elmer farmed and worked as a gas station attendant for Larry Kemmer. The Kinnetz family moved to Minnesota where Elmer worked as a heavy equipment operator and was later employed by the Farm and Home Store in Rochester. In 1975, Elmer and Genevieve moved their family back to Osgood and Elmer worked at Donahue Tire Service and helped area farmers. His last employment was at Farm Service which later became A.S.I. before his retirement.

Elmer was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg and the Graettinger American Legion Post #162.

Elmer loved racing and watching his children race. He was an avid deer hunter and had shot 98 deer throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed attending auctions and collecting items he purchased.

Elmer died Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at his home in Osgood, Iowa, at the age of 85. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Genevieve; a son Robert Kinnetz; a great grandson, Harold DeMoss; brothers, Leo, Leonard, Derwood and Ronald Kinnetz; and sisters, Leona Meyer, Darlene Hersom, Eleanor Meyer and Eileen Flint.

He is survived by his children, Ed Kinnetz of Emmetsburg, Iowa, Brenda DeMoss of Emmetsburg, Iowa, Kevin Kinnetz (Linda) of Ayrshire, Iowa, Jolene Bates (Jon) Maysville, Missouri and John Kinnetz (Jessica) of Ruthven, Iowa; twenty grandchildren; thirty eight great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; a sister, Ruth Rauhauser of Graettinger, Iowa; as well as many other relatives and friends.