Died Sunday October 30, 2016 at Elms Health Care in Ponca, Nebraska
Elmer was born November 25, 1935 in Bovard, PA and passed away October 30, 2016, with his son Greg by his side. His parents were Catherine and Henry "Red" Sphon. He had two older brothers, Chuck and Lawrence, and two younger sisters, Eleanor and Victoria. He attended elementary school in Bovard and high school in Greensburg, PA. During his high school years, he played on a basketball team organized by the Catholic church in Bovard.
Elmer enlisted in the Navy and served as a Navy Corpsman for four years in Norfolk, Virginia. He married Helen Conroy and moved to Vermillion, SD. He earned his bachelor's and master's degree at the University of South Dakota, then his doctorate degree at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
Elmer and Helen moved to Cedar Bluffs, NE. He was a professor at Midland College (now Midland University) in Fremont, NE teaching Psychology for 28 years. Helen worked as an R.N. for many years and the happy couple had one child, Gregory Sphon.
Elmer was an avid hunter and fisherman and enthusiastically participated in these activities his entire life.
His wife Helen preceded Elmer in death, parents Catherine and Henry, and brother Larry.
He leaves behind his son Greg, brother Chuck, two sisters Eleanor and Victoria, many nieces and nephews, and his dear friend Kay Fox with whom he spent many happy years.
A memorial gathering will be held at the Ludvigsen Mortuary chapel on Saturday, November 5 at 2:00 pm.
Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont is in charge of arrangements
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(9)
Rick
Dallas, TX Sunday, February 5, 2017 I remember some hunting trips with Elmer to Fullerton, NE back in 1970 - 72 while I was attending MLC where he was my Psychology Professor.and friend. You had an influence in my life. Thank You
Suzanne (Beed) Jensen
Fremont, NE Friday, November 4, 2016 Dr. Sphon was a great teacher and college advisor to me. He was such a nice person. My husband and I was so lucky to recently see him at Village Inn and visit with him and a close friend of his. He blessed so many student over the years with his knowledge and kind heart and will be dearly missed by so many people in the area and beyond. My prayers and thoughts are with his son and close friends and this time of their loss!!Tim Welch
Arlington, NE Wednesday, November 2, 2016 Dr. Sphon was a great teacher and sort of a mentor to me. He was a great guy.Georganna Felt
Fremont, NE Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Dr. Sphon worked with our Head Start children many years and we were so grateful for his insight into helping our children. He will be missed.krisane olson
Fremont, NE Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Dr. Sphon was a wonderful teacher. I got to know him while attending Midland as unconventional student. His classes were my favorite and he fostered my love of teaching. I accredit him for saving our marriage. He took time out of his busy schedule to counsel me and my husband. We have been married 45 years now.Mallory Pisciola
Houston, TX Tuesday, November 1, 2016 To the Spohn Family and my Grandma Karen Fox,I am so sorry to hear of Elmer's passing. Elmer was such a kind man and had many stories that we enjoyed hearing. I will never forget that he called rigatoni "stovepipes" and what fond memories he had of growing up in PA. He took such good care of my Grandma and he will be missed by us all.
Mallory Pisciola
Jill Stoefen Fisher
Gold Canyon, AZ Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Greg and Chuck, I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad/brother. He was a wonderful person and a very good friend to both Vern and myself. A former student of his and a lifetime friend of myself from Fremont shared Elmer's obituary with me. I am confident that he and Vern are out hunting and fishing together now and experiencing pure joy with no worries. Hugs to you both.Katie
Austin, TX Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Elmer, I'm going to miss you. You were so good to Grandma who loved you very much. I loved discussing psychology with you and fondly remember our trip to the shooting range. I'm glad you're not in pain anymore.Katie
Dean Vitamvas
Fremont, NE Tuesday, November 1, 2016 So sorry for your loss Kay. Elmer was a super guy. He will be greatly missed. All my prayers to you and his family.