LATIMER — Fred Henry Elling, 85, of Latimer, Iowa, died Saturday, October 10, 2026, at his home, leaving behind a legacy of farming, family, faith and service to the Franklin County community where he spent nearly his entire life.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 14, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 204 East Street in Latimer. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church and continue until the service. Burial will follow at Hampton Cemetery in Hampton.
For Fred, farming was more than an occupation. It was a family tradition, a lifelong commitment to the land and a responsibility he proudly carried forward for another generation. After returning home from college, he operated the family farm well beyond its Century Farm milestone before eventually passing the operation to his son. The farm is approaching another remarkable achievement: recognition as an Iowa Heritage Farm, marking 150 years of family ownership.
Born February 4, 1941, in Des Moines, Fred was the son of Fred HD and Alberta M. (Smith) Elling. He grew up in Latimer, graduated from Franklin County Consolidated School and went on to Iowa State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Farm Operations.
His agricultural interests extended far beyond the fields. Fred was an accomplished livestock judge, earning national recognition for his abilities as a young 4-H member. He later competed on the Iowa State University livestock judging team, collecting both individual and team honors.
Those experiences helped shape a lifetime of involvement in agriculture and the community. Fred remained active in 4-H as a leader, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with younger generations. He also served as president of the Franklin County Farm Bureau, representing the interests of area farmers and contributing to the agricultural community he knew so well.
On August 14, 1971, Fred married Sharon Nielsen at Peace Lutheran Church in Marcus, Iowa. Together, they built a life centered on their family and the Latimer community, raising two sons, Fred Leonard and Austin. Their marriage spanned 55 years.
Faith was another cornerstone of Fred’s life. A lifelong member of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Latimer, he devoted 20 years to teaching Sunday School, helping guide generations of young people in their faith.
Whether working the family land, serving his church, mentoring young people through 4-H or supporting local agriculture, Fred invested his time in the people and traditions that mattered most to him.
Fred is survived by his wife, Sharon; his sons, Fred Leonard Elling of Alden and Austin (Karla Mae) Elling of Latimer; his grandsons, Emmett and Owen Elling; and his sister, Marian Mass.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family farm Fred cared for throughout his life will stand as an enduring reminder of his dedication, connecting the generations who worked the land before him with those who will carry the Elling family tradition into the future.
Family members and friends may share memories, offer condolences or find additional service information through Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory’s obituary for Fred Henry Elling.
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