Elmer G. Neff, 87, of Belleville, IL, born November 16, 1938, in Belleville, IL, died Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Saint Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, MO, surrounded by family.
Elmer spent 31 years of his career working at Wessel’s Supermarket. He later worked for Gerken Wholesale, which then became Middendorf Wholesale, and retired after 17 years of truck driving. He was a longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, and was involved with the Men’s Club at church. Elmer also spent many years as a firefighter for the Northwest Volunteer Fire Department.
He loved camping and game nights with his family. He loved working out in his yard, and was very proud of keeping it in perfect condition. Above all, he cherished time with family, and loved watching his kid’s, grandkid’s, and great-grandkid’s sporting events.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Amelia, nee Dintelmann, Neff; a brother in infancy, Thomas Neff; a sister, Patricia (Dennis) Vander Pluym; a daughter-in-law, Cynthia Neff; a brother-in-law, Jerry Brown, and a great-grandson, Levi Newton.
Elmer is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Jeanette, nee DeFosset, Neff, whom he married September 27, 1960; four children, Cynthia (Thomas) Feldker, Terrence Neff, Christina (Douglas) Elbe, and Angela (Aaron) Neff; nine grandchildren, Mark Feldker, Stephanie (Brad) English, Emily Feldker, Andrew (Jessica) Neff, Daniel Neff, Timothy Neff, Shannon (Nick) Newton, Wyatt (Rachel) Elbe, and Amber Elbe (fiance, Jimmy Manley); seven great-grandchildren, Lennon, Cash, and Elton English,
Harper, Emmett, and Booker Newton, and Meyer Elbe; a sister, Darlene Brown; a brother, Ronald (Janelle) Neff; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, August 31, 2026, and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Belleville IL. A Northwest Fire Protection District walk through will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at the church.
Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. James Buerster officiating.
Burial will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.
