Elmer W. Penas, 87, of Grand Island, died Thursday, April 7, 2011, at Golden LivingCenter at Lakeview in Grand Island. Mr. Penas wishes were to be cremated with no services or visitation. Inurnment will be at a later date in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Mr. Penas was born on June 11, 1923, at Ord, the son of Lou and Bessie (Morschek) Penas. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marian; two sons and daughters-in-law, Verne and Patty Penas and Darrell and Pam Penas, all of Grand Island; two daughters, Marlene Leece of Grand Island and Norma Lacy of Elwood; and one sister, Agnes Muhlbach of Grand Island. He also leaves to cherish his memory, 15 grandchildren, Shauna Wagner, Tanya Custer, Mandy Burtle, Kiffin Harness, Kirsten Haubold, Brenda Leece, Charlie Leece, Tricia Duis, Shasta Hokom, Andrea Zuelow, Brandon Penas, Ashley Gates, Abby Dannelly, Dustin Bubba Penas and Brady Penas and 23 great-grandchildren. Elmer was united in marriage to Marian Skala on Sept. 15, 1945, at Ord. He farmed in the Ord area until 1956, when the couple moved to Grand Island. He then worked for many years as a self-employed roofer and painter. He was a member of the Eagles Club and the Platt-Duetsche. He loved fishing, polka music, dancing, gardening and his beloved dog, Muffy. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Eldon Penas and an infant brother; and two sisters, Lydia Proskocil and Mildred Pokorney; and a son-in-law, Gary Leece. Memorials are suggested to the familys choice.