Clemens Elzer, age 87, peacefully passed away at home with his wife, Delphine Elzer, by his side on Sunday, March 8, 2020. He was born on February 14, 1933 in Koblenz, Germany. After losing both his parents at a very young age he spent several years living with priests at a Catholic church, learning several skilled trades that he was able to build upon into his adulthood. The remaining children were separated between uncles and would never live together as a family again. At age 19, a friend talked him into entering a lottery to earn passage to Canada and work for a farming program; he was selected. Faced with learning to assimilate into French-Canadian culture and learning the English language, he succeeded and found he had an opportunity to move around Canada. He settled in Ottawa, Ontario where he met his beloved bride, Delphine, of 62 years. Soon there were three children, and Clemens regained the family for which he so longed. His family expanded with the addition of two grandchildren and more recently, a great grand-daughter. Clemens is survived by his wife Delphine; a brother Horst; a sister Cilli; two sons Eric and David; a daughter Debbie (Richard), grand-daughters Nicole and Kyla; and a great grand-daughter, Brooke. Family and friends are invited to A Celebration of Life for Clemens at 1 P.M., Sunday, March 15, 2020 at Groover Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park, 1400 36th Ave East, Ellenton, FL 34222. Calling hours to begin at 12 Noon. Lunch is being served after the celebration at Richard and Debbie’s house in Ellenton.
