Herbert James Elfring Sr.

Herbert was called home to his Lord on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at the tender age of 102. Born March 29, 1922, in Watertown, S.D. the son of William F. and Carrie M. Elfring. He was a U.S. Army Captain and served in Pearl Harbor. He was one of less than twenty known living survivors from the December 7th, 1941, attack. He received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan graduating in 1950. He retired from Consumer’s Energy after 37 years of service. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church for over 70 years. He still enjoyed square and ballroom dancing, playing pinochle, euchre, and cribbage. Into his 90’s he was water skiing, golfing, and snow skiing.  He loved traveling the world and family camping at Lake Michigan with FUMC. At 102 years old, Herb was still driving, and often gave rides to appointments.

Surviving are his 5 children, Carol DeVos of Fort Worth, TX, Dr. Herbert “Hub” J. Elfring, Jr. of Linden, John (Jackie) Elfring of Texas, Barbara (Kenny) Eaton of Florida, and Richard (Cheryl) Elfring of Laingsburg.

8 grandchildren: Sara, Kiley, Kenneth III “Trey”, Keri, Leigh Anne, Blake, Claire, and Grace; 9 great-grandchildren: Josh, Zach, CeCe, Luke, Bradley III “Tripp” Leonie, Chiara, Ramsey, and Hudson; brother, Bob (Shirley) Elfring: many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Herbert was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Ruth in 2005; daughter-in-law, Carol Elfring; son-in-law, Ronald DeVos; 7 siblings Lillian, Eleanor, Connie, Cornelia, Beverly, Carl, and William “Bud”.

The Celebration of Herbert’s Life will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 4th, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church, 275 W. Michigan Ave. Jackson 49201 with Pastor Tonya Arnesen officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 109 of Jackson.  The gathering will be 4:00-7:00 P.M. Monday, June 3rd, at Watson Funeral Chapel, 2590 Spring Arbor Rd. Jackson, MI 49203. Interment will be later at Great Lakes National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to First United Methodist Church, Kiwanis Club of Jackson, or onestopveteran.org where Herb was a founder and board member.

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