Elmer C. Guenthner

Elmer came into this world on October 5, 1930, in Armour, South Dakota to farming parents Christian and Eva. He was one of 10 children. From a young age, Elmer worked various farm hand jobs to help support the family. By high school, Elmer started working at a print shop producing the local paper, the Armour Chronicle. After high school, Elmer joined the US Army and was deployed in the Korean War where he served in several combat situations and was eventually honorably discharged.

After the military, Elmer made his way to New York where he went back to working in a print shop. It was in New York where he met his wife of 65 years Josephine Ellen Refalo. It was on the east coast that he started his family by having Chris and Greg. By 1960, he moved his family to Chatsworth, CA and had the last of his three sons Paul.

Elmer enjoyed all sports and was an avid supporter of youth baseball at Chatsworth Junior Baseball League (CJBL) for over 50+ years and he was honored by having the minor league field, the "Elmer Guenthner Field" named in his honor. He was a pillar of the community and loved by all who knew him.

Survived by his sons and daughter in laws Chris (Vicky) of Pendleton, SC, Greg (Poi) Northridge, California and Paul (Sandra) of Northridge, California; eight grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and his sisters Darlene “Corky” McFarland and Lucille Vacca.

Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 2:00 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Northridge CA with the burial on July 11 2024 at 10:00 at Eternal Valley in Newhall CA.

Memory gifts for Elmer can be made to CJBL, PO Box 3173, Chatsworth, CA 91313.

Please join us in celebrating Elmer's incredible life of 93 years.