Elmer F. Vondrak, 77 of rural Hinton, Iowa passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026 at his home, surrounded by family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 6, 2026 at Holy Cross Parish, St. Michael's Catholic Church in Sioux City with Father Randy L. Schon as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Sioux City. Visitation will be on Thursday, February 5th at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with family present beginning at 6:00 p.m. and a Prayer Service, conducted by Father Peter Nguyen, will begin at 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. 

Elmer was born on October 5, 1948, in Sioux City, Iowa to Emil and Christine (Schuttpelz) Vondrak. He grew up on the family farm just west of Hinton, Iowa before attending the Hinton Community Schools, graduating with the Class of 1966. Elmer lost his dad when he was just 16 years of age, taking over the family farm alongside his mom Christine.

Elmer met Nina Langendorfer and married her on February 3, 1968, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sioux City. Nina moved to the farm with Elmer and his mom. The couple began their family immediately with the first 3 of 5 children, Bill, Teresa, and Debbie. The final 2 of their children came along in 1982, and 1984, with Michael and Kristine.

Elmer and Nina had grain farming, along with raising cattle, pigs, chickens, and the occasional turkey and rabbits. Elmer farmed until 1992. He bought, and ran, the Coast to Coast (True Value Hardware Store) in Indian Hills with Nina from 1992 until 2004. Elmer then worked with the new owner until January of 2006. From there he went to work for the Anderson’s Fertilizer Plant from February of 2006 until he finally retired in August of 2024.

During the 1970’s and the 1980’s Elmer and Nina where heavily involved in Cursillo, a Christian movement through the Catholic Faith. As their older children grew, both Elmer and Nina taught CCD classes beginning from 2nd grade up through high school.

Elmer enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially the grandkids and great grandkids. He was hard-working and always wanted to stay busy. Elmer fixed whatever came his way in his shop, and loved teaching his skills to his grandkids, most recently teaching the youngest grandchild, Zachary, welding. In the early years, there were many card games played with Nina and her parents, along with frequent chances to fish with family.

Elmer's last wish was granted as he remained on the family farm that he loved until his final days surrounded by his loving family. Elmer's passing came just in time to celebrate his and Nina's 58th wedding anniversary, in heaven, on Feb 3, 2026.

Left to cherish his memory include his son Bill (Mary) Vondrak of Sioux City, Iowa, daughter Teresa (Dean) Cuthrell of Early, Iowa, daughter Debbie (Jerry) Felix of Sioux City, Iowa, son Michael Vondrak of Hinton, Iowa, and daughter Kristine (Chris) Stokes of Sioux City, Iowa; 10 grandkids Matt (Carrisa) Clausen, Derek Vondrak, Erik Vondrak, Brittney Vondrak, Cody (Samantha) Loerts, Coleton (Jordan Miller) Loerts, Alex Melville, Tracie Melville, Jessica (Andrew) Flory, and Zachary Stokes; great-grandkids Jace Clausen, Beau Clausen, and Carli Clausen; sister-in-law June Small of Sioux City, Iowa; brothers-in-law Jorgen Johnson of Tennessee and Paul (Vicky) Langendorfer of South Carolina; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Elmer was preceded in death by his wife, Nina on December 19, 2023, parents Emil and Christine Vondrak, parents-in-law Lester and Leona Langendorfer, son-in-law David Loerts, brother LaVern Vondrak and his wife Pat, sister-in-law Marge Johnson, brother -in-law John Small, nephew Rich Johnson, and nieces Barb Vondrak and Jodi Vondrak.

Pallbearers will be Matt Clausen, Erik Vondrak, Derek Vondrak, Cody Loerts, Coleton Loerts, Alex Melville, Zachary Stokes. Honorary pallbearers will be Brittney Vondrak, Tracie Melville, Jessica Melville-Flory.

The service will be Live-Streamed at the following Link:

https://youtube.com/live/H1X_31sb1-M?feature=share