Henry F. "Tony" Elfring

Henry F. Elfring, affectionately known as “Tony”, age 88, of Ai, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home, Sunday morning, October 21, 2012. He was born September 16, 1924 in Medina, Ohio to Henry and Bertha (Frederick) Elfring.

Tony served in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII from 1944 to 1946. He was a Corporal of the 4th Marine Division. The combat record of the Division was exemplary. They participated in four major amphibious assaults including Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinina, and Iwo Jima, and won two Presidential Unit Citations. He was very proud to serve his country. Thanks to the volunteers and contributors of Honor Flight of Northwest Ohio, Tony was honored to have visited the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. on June 20th of this year, alongside his beloved wife, Marian, a U.S. Navy WWII veteran.

Tony married Marian Gilbert on November 10, 1954. He was a truck driver for 17 years for VanWaters & Rogers, and was a member of Swanton American Legion Post #479.

Tony was an all around family man - always looking out for his wife, children, grandchildren, and his home; and will be remembered as a “Gentle Giant.”

He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 58 years, Marian; children, Dale (Mary) Elfring, Matthew (Kelly) Elfring, Amy (Tom) Davis, Julie (Sam) Thurman, Nathan Elfring, Richard Elfring, and Marcia Nehls; as well as 9 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Robert.

Family and friends may visit Wednesday, October 24th from 4 to 8 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton (419.826.2631). Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 25th at 11:00 am in the funeral home with Pastor Dennis King officiating. Interment, with Military Rites, will follow at Ai Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Honor Flight of Northwest Ohio, PO Box 23018, Toledo, OH 43623.

Residence: Ai, Ohio

Visitation: Wednesday, October 24th from 4 to 8 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton

Funeral Services: Thursday, October 25th at 11:00 am in the Funeral Home

Interment: Ai Cemetery