Elmer Philip Alderdyce

Elmer P. Alderdyce, 82, of Waukon, IA, died Thursday, April 21, 2016, at Northgate Care Center in Waukon. Elmer's wishes were to have a private memorial services at a later date. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be made to Waukon School Athletic Department, 1059 3rd Ave. NW, Waukon, IA, 52172. or Shriners Children Hospital International Headquarters, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL, 33607.

Elmer Philip Alderdyce was born July 16, 1933, in Iowa City, IA, the son of Donald Doune and Elizabeth (Van Horne) Alderdyce. He graduated from high school in LaGrange, IL, and served in the United States Navy and was stationed both in the United States and Japan. Following his return from the service, he continued his education and graduated from Upper Iowa University, in Fayette, IA, and then went on to receive his Master's Degree in education at N.E. Missouri State in Maryville, MO. Before beginning his teaching career, he was admissions counselor at Upper Iowa University and on staff at Annie Wittenmeyer Orphanage in Davenport, IA. He taught and coached at Cardinal of Eldon, IA and Osceola, IA. In 1969, he moved to Waukon and taught 7th grade Life Science and coached football, wrestling, and girls softball for 26 years. He also was the manager of Postville swimming pool during those years.

Elmer was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Waukon, Kiwanis Club, ISEA, Brotherly Love Masonic Lodge, El Kahir Shriners, and Royal Order of Jesters. He rode in many parades throughout the years as "Elmo-the Clown" with the Shriners Motor Clowns. Elmer was an avid sports fan and was not afraid to express his opinion loud and clear especially when students he coached were involved. He was loyal to the Waukon Indians, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Iowa Hawkeyes, Upper Iowa Peacocks, and "Da Bears."


Survivors include his wife Carole Alderdyce of Waukon; a daughter Sheri (Wade) Taylor of Ceylon, MN; his step-children: Tom (Gail) Johnson of Cross Plains, WI, Cynthia (Larry) Schellhammer of Waukon, Ann Wilding of Portland, OR; his grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Amanda (Jerit) Wolford of Winona, MN, Bethany Taylor of Byron, MN, Matthew (Rebekah) Johnson of Iowa City, IA, John Schellhammer of Lansing, Maria (Mike) Anderson of West Des Moines, IA, Leah Schellhammer of Cedar Falls, IA, Kaia Brunso of Portland, OR, Lisa Hansmeier of Phoenix, AZ, Ken Hansmeier of Des Moines, IA, Karla (Jeff) Schechtman of Dubuque, IA; seven great-grandchildren; a brother: Mike (Norma) Alderdyce of Coulter, IA; two sisters: Shirley (Jack) Lahvic of Pella, IA, and Patricia (Jesse) Haskell of Kilgore, TX; two sisters-in-law: Lois Nichols of Bettendorf, IA, and Laura Lee Melberg of LaValle, WI; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; a step-son Randy Johnson; two brothers: Joel and Louis Alderdyce; and a sister Louise Alderdyce; and two brothers-in-law: Gary Melberg and Bill Nichols.