Elmer Lloyd Zoeteman, Age 100, of Deer Lodge

Elmer Lloyd Zoeteman, 100, passed away on May 4, 2024 in Butte, Montana.  He was born October 22, 1923 in Meeteetse, Wyoming to Pete and Laura Zoeteman.

He was an Electrical Engineering student at the University of Wyoming and also received training from the Army Air Forces Technical School.

Elmer served in World War II as a member of the 45^th Service Squadron which provided maintenance for the 4^th Fighter Group servicing the Spitfire, the P-47 Thunderbolt, and the P-51 Mustang.  After serving in the war for two years he returned home and had a career as a miner working for Laughlin Oil in Oklahoma, Chrome Mines in Stillwater, Montana and then spent the majority of his career until his retirement with Cominco Phosphate in Garrison, Montana.

On a blind date in 1950 he met his future wife, Ohrla Batt and he has said that the day he proposed to her provided him with the most amazing event of his life.  They married on August 19, 1951 and eventually settled in Deer Lodge.  He and his wife enjoyed traveling to Arizona in the winters and he continued to travel well into his 90’s.  Arizona was his second home.

Elmer was a member of the Deer Lodge Elks, a Free Mason, and a prior member of the Deer Lodge Country Club.  He enjoyed a full life of hunting, fishing, camping, golfing, travel, bicycle riding, and games of all kinds.  His family meant the world to him and he enjoyed every moment with them.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and his wife.

Survivors include Dale (Kathy) Zoeteman, Deer Lodge; Kathy Burt, East Helena; Linda (Kevin) Edwards, Golden, CO; Carey (Marty) Zoeteman, Mesa, AZ.  He also has seven grandchildren (Joshua, Bridger, Alesha, Amber, Angela, Kristin, and Taylor) and eight great-grandchildren (Keira, Ella, Finley, Aurora, Aedrick, Daphne, Francesca, and Solomon).

A Memorial Service will be held at 10 A.M. Thursday, June 13th, at the Deer Lodge Elks Lodge #1737,  230 Main Street in Deer Lodge, MT, 59722, followed by interment at Hillcrest Cemetery, and concluding with a luncheon at the Deer Lodge Elks Lodge.  In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his name to the Deer Lodge Elks Club.

Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Elmer.

Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Elmer and his family.

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

10:00 a.m.

Thursday June 13, 2024

Deer Lodge Elks 1737

230 Main Street

Deer Lodge, Montana 59722

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Interment

Following Service

Thursday June 13, 2024

Hillcrest Cemetery

343 Conley Lake Rd

Deer Lodge, Montana 59722

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Luncheon

Following Graveside Service

Thursday June 13, 2024

Deer Lodge Elks 1737

230 Main Street

Deer Lodge, Montana 59701

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