Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 11/13/2004

Elmer J. Kamm

Oct. 20, 1918 -- Nov. 11, 2004

Elmer J. Kamm, 86, of South Bend, Ind., and formerly of Mishawaka, Ind., passed away Thursday afternoon, Nov. 11, in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend.

His life began on Oct. 20, 1918, in Mishawaka, as one of three sons born to Albin and Lavina (Irr) Kamm. Elmer grew up in Mishawaka and graduated from Mishawaka High School. He graduated with a BFA Degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1941.

During the World War II years, Elmer was the bookkeeper for the family business, Kamm and Schellinger Brewing Company in Mishawaka. He was a commercial artist and his works included the creation of the logo for Kellogg's Special K Cereal. He also did drafting work and was a professional photographer. Over the years, Elmer served as the primary caregiver for his mother. His Catholic faith was an important part of his life and he was a member of St. Matthew Cathedral in South Bend and formerly belonged to St. Joseph Parish in Mishawaka. He was a Knight of Malta and a Fellow of St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer. Because of their generosity, Elmer and his brother Gerald received the Helping Hands Award from the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care in South Bend.

Elmer's past times included photography, flower gardening and Chinese cooking. He loved traveling and was particularly fond of cruises. Elmer also enjoyed spending time at the family cottage named "Stones Throw" on Lake Michigan in New Buffalo.

Elmer's surviving family includes his brother, Gerald A. Kamm of South Bend; an aunt, Anita Ugan of Chagrin Falls, Ohio; and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his father in 1960; his mother in 1973; and by a brother, Wilber Kamm, in 1984.

Friends and family may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 15, in the Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. Third St., Mishawaka, where the Rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. on Monday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16, in St. Matthew Cathedral, 1701 Miami Street, South Bend, with Rev. Michael Heintz officiating. Visitation will also be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday in the church. Entombment will follow at Highland Cemetery, South Bend.

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association; or to the American Diabetes Association. Envelopes are available in the funeral home.

Editor: He is a descendant of the Kamm family that started the Kamm Brewing Company of Mishawaka