1918-2008

Services will be held at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Empire, with visitation planned Friday from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by a Rosary, plus a Funeral Mass on Sataurday at 10 a.m. followed by burial and a luncheon, for longtime Empire resident Elmer Cwengros who died at his home in Royal Oak on April 5. He was 90.

He was born in Bellville, Ill., on Jan. 11, 1918, the son of Joseph and Pauline (Schmegner) Cwengros. His wife of 62 years, Betty, survives.

He was a member of the Third Order (Franciscans) of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and served his country in the Army during World War II in the European Theater as, among other things, a military policeman. Following the war, he served as a detective lieutenant in the Detroit Police Department for 25 years. Shortly after retirement, he moved with his family to Empire, in 1977.

Also surviving are his children, Michael (Kathy) Cwengros, Paul (Doris) Cwengros, Nancy (Everett) Phillips, Susan (Michael) Hagen, Jim (Rita) Cwengros, and Mary (Peter) Bolton; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his seven brothers and sisters.