Elmer Killian

Elmer Killian ObituaryElmer Eugene Killian went to be with his Lord and savior surrounded by his children and grandchildren, on August 29, 2025 at his home in Hayti, SD.
Elmer was born on June 20, 1950 at the base of Mount Rainier in Auburn, WA to Carl and Margaret (Townsen) Killian. He joined his siblings Samuel, Dewey, Karen (Youngbauer), Sandra (Enyart), and Charles (Chuck). When Elmer was 3 years old he and his family moved to Philbrook, MN; then settled in a farm south of Staples, MN. Where he grew up hunting and fishing, and helping milk cows, raise horses and other chores around the farm. He went to Staples High school where he joined the football team, and received his high school diploma. At the age of 18 he joined the United States Army where he became a forward observer in the 82nd Airborne Rangers. He served 2 tours overseas and was honorably discharged in May of 1974.
On September 19, 1970 he married his first wife, Sheila VanVickle. After 2 years of marriage Elmer welcomed his first daughter Katherine on January 3, 1973. In October 1975, Elmer and Sheila went their separate ways. In 1980 Elmer met his second wife Rhonda Poppinga, and was married June 13, 1981. They welcomed their 4 children, Amanda on September 27, 1981, Kyle on December 31, 1982, Sarah on June 29, 1984 and Jessica on June 12, 1985. In April of 2005 Elmer and Rhonda went their separate ways. Elmer spent the remainder of his days devoted to his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends.
Elmer moved his family to Flathead County, MT in 1989, where they lived in Coram, Martin City, Hungry Horse, and finally West Glacier. He worked many different types of jobs, his two favorite jobs were working as a CNA at the Veterans Home in Columbia Falls, MT and also loved cutting firewood. He loved working and continued to work many different jobs. His final job was as a road construction flagger. He was well loved by all his co-workers. He loved making everyone smile and laugh when they were having a bad day. He always had a smile for everyone. Elmer and his family spent many days outside camping and taking hikes in Glacier National Park. His favorite spot was Virginia Falls. His all-time favorite things to do were hunting and fishing, especially when he was able to take his grandchildren.
In May of 2010, Elmer moved back to Staples MN, where he lived until he moved to Canby, MN and ultimately moved in with his daughter in Hayti, SD.
Elmer is survived by his Children, Katherine Watson of Canby, MN; Amanda Killian of Canby, MN; Kyle Killian of Canby, MN; Sarah (Brady) Gilliland of Hayti, SD, and Jessica Killian of Staples, MN. His 10 grandchildren Savannah Watson, Taylor Jackson, Harley Gamble, Jazmyn Jackson, Dee Killian, Jasper Gamble, Katrina Gilliland, Brady Gilliland JR., Aurora Gilliland and Auriella Gilliland, and his 2 great grandchildren Samuel, Nova, and one on the way, and one brother, Kieth Greer. Elmer was also blessed with many adopted children and grandchildren. Elmer had many nieces and nephews.
Elmer is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Margaret Killian, his siblings, Samuel Killian, Dewey Killian, Karen Yungbauer, Sandra Enyart, and Charles (Chuck) Killian.
Celebration of life services will be held on Sep 20, 2025 at 2 pm at Antelope Hills Christian Church in Canby, MN. At Elmer's request we ask that you please come in something you would be comfortable in, he loved bright colors. He would want us to celebrate that he is finally with his Lord and Savior.
We will also be holding a memorial service in Hungry Horse, MT next summer. He will be laid to rest with his brother and parents in Staples, MN after we take dad on his final hike to his favorite spot, Virginia Falls in Glacier National Park.
Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel ~ www.wightandcomes.com
Elmer Eugene Killian went to be with his Lord and savior surrounded by his children and grandchildren, on August 29, 2025 at his home in Hayti, SD.
Elmer was born on June 20, 1950 at the base of Mount Rainier in Auburn, WA to Carl and Margaret (Townsen) Killian. He joined his siblings Samuel, Dewey, Karen (Youngbauer), Sandra (E