Elmer Fedder | 92 | Winchester
Elmer Fedder, 92, of Winchester, one of the last old-time newspaper publishers, died on Feb. 21, 2023. He was a publisher, editor, photographer, husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, steadfast Christian, veteran, town promoter, and friend to many.
Elmer began his newspaper career in 1956 at the Troy (IL) Tribune with Paul Simon and Ray Johnsen. He continued in the newspaper business for 60 years. When he began in newspaper publishing, linotype, handset type, and letterpress printing were how papers were printed. He saw many changes in the publishing field throughout his long career. He was a staunch supporter of freedom of the press.
Elmer was born at home in Collinsville, IL to Emil and Helen Fedder. He grew up in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, attending Holy Cross Lutheran School and graduating from Collinsville High School in 1948. He was active in the Lutheran youth group (Walther League) and stayed close friends with his fellow Walther Leaguers for over 75 years.
In 1952 he and his brother, Walter, enlisted in the Army and served in Japan as cryptographic technicians (part of the signal corp) decoding messages during the Korean War. Following his discharge in 1953, he worked at the Troy Tribune, then the Metamora Herald, finally moving to Winchester and publishing the Winchester Times, White Hall Register Republican, Greenfield Argus, and Roodhouse Record.
Elmer was active in the Winchester community and was a founder of Christ Lutheran Church. He served as Sunday School teacher, congregation president, elder, Kiwanis (50-year member), Scott County Development, Passavant Hospital Board of Trustees, Board of Directors of First State Bank, Illinois Press Association, and community supporter.
He mentored many high school students, hiring them to take pictures and write a weekly column about high school activities. Several of them went on to careers in journalism, photography, and radio and tv.
Elmer was known for his sense of humor and fairness as an employer. He finished his weekly column with the slogan “Onward and Upward.”
Elmer married Merrilyn in 1966. They shared the same birthday. He is survived by his wife of 56 years; daughter, Sarah Uchic (Michael); granddaughter, Grace of Centerville, Ohio; son, Andrew (Lori); granddaughter, Sophia of Fresno, CA; sister-in-law, Mary Louise Fedder of Collinsville; and many nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Eileen Heinks of St. Louis; and brother, Walter of Collinsville.
Elmer participated in the Alzheimer Research Study at Washington University in St. Louis for many years. Both his father and brother suffered from this incurable disease. He donated his brain for research, hoping it would help find a cure.
Following cremation, Memorial services will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, Winchester, on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 11 a.m. Visitation with the family will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at a future date.
Memorials are suggested to the Scott County EMS, the Scott County Nursing Home, or the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.airsman-hires.comThe Coonrod Funeral Home in Winchester is in charge of the arrangements.
