Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Micheal Warren Elmer — “Bulldog” to his friends — was born in White Salmon, Washington, March 15, 1948. He was the oldest of the five children born to Ivan and Bea Elmer of Trout Lake, Washington. He grew up in Trout Lake on the family’s dairy farm and attended Trout Lake School. Mike served in the U.S. Navy from 1969-1972.
After returning to this area he settled in Underwood, Washington, and worked in the logging industry, first in the woods, then later for SDS Lumber Co. in Bingen, Washington. After retirement, and as his health problems increased, he moved to Cherry Heights Living in The Dalles, Oregon, then later to Oatfield Estates in Milwaukie, Oregon. Mike passed at the Portland VA Hospital on Feb. 20, 2026. He was 77.
The family wishes to thank the VA hospital doctors, and staff at Oatfield Estates, for Mike’s dedicated care. The family also thanks the Matt and Connie Riley family for their long-time friendship with Mike. They were the best friends he could have.
Mike is survived by his siblings and their spouses, Phyllis and Jay Christensen of Sterling, Alaska, Phillip Elmer of Anchorage, Alaska, Ella and Mark Stivers of Savannah, Georgia, and Jeffrey Elmer and Keith Sullivan of Portland, Oregon; several nieces and nephews, their spouses and their children; and many cousins in this area.
Mike’s ashes will be placed in the Trout Lake Cemetery near his parents. A service will be announced.
Columbia Gorge News, March 4, 2026
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