Elmer E. Ladrach

Elmer E. Ladrach, 86, of Mineral City, died Wednesday, June 23, 2004, in his home, following a brief illness.

Born June 20, 1918, in Ragersville, he was a son of the late Walter F. and Carrie Mizer Ladrach. Elmer was a graduate of Sugarcreek-Shanesville High School, Heidelberg College, and earned a Masters' Degree in Guidance from Kent State University.

He served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II in the Pacific. Elmer's primary job while in the Navy was the operation of Landing Ship Tanks; at the time of his discharge, he had obtained the rank of Second Lieutenant.

Elmer began a long career as a teacher in the village of Baltic, later moving to the Tuscarawas Valley School System. At Tusky Valley, he was a teacher, guidance counselor and principal. He had fond memories of the many students and teachers he worked with over the years. Elmer also greatly enjoyed working on his farm on Tusky Valley Road.

He was a long-time member of the Baltic Church of the Brethren, where he served as Sunday school teacher and superintendent, and served on the church board. Elmer was a member of Tusky Valley Ruritan for over thirty years, and belonged to the Retired Teachers' Association.

Survivors include his beloved wife of fifty-two years, Esther E. Snyder Ladrach; three daughters, Susan Ladrach of Dover, and Dr. Anne (Randy) Harper and Julie Kalman, both of Mineral City; a son, John (Wanda) Ladrach of Mineral City; a dear friend - a son by choice, Ernest 'Bubba' (Christi) Humbertson; ten grandchildren, Mark (Mona) Ladrach, Todd (Michelle Aukamp) Ladrach, Amy (Kevin) Boyd, Chad (Jen) Ladrach, Michaela (Steve) Simers, Andrew, Logan, Joseph nnd Angela Harper and John Kalman; Bubba and Christi's children, Nicole and Cody; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ruby Schmucker of Canton, and Glenda (Bill) Hoff of LaGrange Park, IL; a brother, Paul (Alice) Ladrach of Ragersville; numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Albright Ladrach, in 1944; and infant son, Michael Ladrach; two sisters, Margaret Spahr and Lauretta Putt; and a brother, John Ladrach.

Elmer's life will be celebrated in a service Saturday, June 26, at 11 a.m., in the Baltic Church of the Brethren with Pastor Arlen Longanecker officiating. Burial will be in the Brethren Cemetery in Baltic. There will be a reception in the church hall following the committal. Visitation will be Friday, June 25, anytime after 2 p.m., with the family present from 5 - 8 p.m., in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home, 803 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, and Saturday, 10 - 11 a.m., in the church. To sign the online register and share a fond memory of Elmer (Mr. Ladrach), please visit the funeral home's Web site.

Memorial contributions may be made to Baltic Church of the Brethren 211 Buena Vista St., Box 237, Baltic, OH 43804, or, to Hospice of Tuscarawas Co., Inc., 201 W. Third St., Dover, OH 44622.

Toland-Herzig, Dover
330-343-6132