Elmer Jay Phegley, 93, of Rensselaer, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at Monticello Healthcare Center in Monticello. He was born on June 9, 1922, the son of the late Halley Elmer Phegley and Stella Almira (Stockton) Phegley. He was a lifelong area resident.

Elmer Jay graduated from Rensselaer High School with the Class of 1940 and went on to attend Purdue University. He served his country as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the European Theatre during WWII. On September 28, 1947, in Rensselaer, he married his wife of 44 years, Donna Jean (McKay) Phegley. She preceded him in death on October 10, 1991.

Elmer Jay was a lifelong farmer. He farmed with his father, and later his son, on the family farm. He also worked for the government for over 40 years, retiring from the Post Office. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, American Legion Post #29, VFW Post #1279, served as past president and board member of the Jasper County REMC, served as past board member of the Wabash Valley Power Association, was a past 4-H leader and Jasper County Fair Association board member, and was a member of the holding committee that was formed when the new Rensselaer Central High School was built in the late 1960s. Elmer Jay was a fan of the Purdue Boilermakers and the Chicago Bears. He loved his Wagonmasters. He enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren’s school activities.


Elmer Jay is survived by: one son, Jay (Terri) Phegley; one daughter, Elizabeth “Libby” (David) Busch; eight grandchildren: Kacie (Jason) Kessler, Hallie (Matthew) Patten, Abbie (Derrick) Stalbaum, Patrick (Rachael Preiboy) Busch, Nikolaus (fiancé: Brittany Filkins) Busch of Missouri, Mackenzie (Eric Scrivner) Busch of California, Kolter (Kodi Baker) Busch of California, and Trenton (Shayna) Phegley; four great-grandchildren: Kennedy Stalbaum, Vivienne Kessler, Gunner Kessler, and Emmett Jay Phegley; son-in-law Eric (Becky) Haring; and longtime special friend, Jeanette Blackhall.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife Donna Jean; daughter Debra Haring; and three sisters: Eleanor Phegley, Elizabeth “Bettie” Phegley, and Dorothy DeWees.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers who provided such excellent care to Elmer Jay over the past several years.

Friends may call on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 from 4-8 p.m. (Central Time) at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at 10 a.m. (Central Time) with Rev. Brian Beeks officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Weston Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to: St. Elizabeth Hospice or Trinity United Methodist Church. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.

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