Harold Arthur Elzig

Harold (Hal) Elzig passed away peacefully at age 89 in Alameda, CA. on June 30th, 2018. His wife of almost 50 years, Zelda, predeceased him (2002) as did his brother Richard of Portland, Oregon, his sisters Clara Ward of Clarissa, Minnesota, and Helen Lemke of Mesa, Arizona. Hal is survived by his brother Robert Elzig of Seldovia, Alaska, sisters Frances Lindborg of Sarasota, Florida, and Ruth Davidson (Warner) of Phoenix, Arizona. He also leaves his children, Barbara Elzig of Vacaville, CA, William “Bill” (Nancy) Elzig of Alameda, CA, and Roberta “Bobbie” Schultz of Redmond, WA. He will be missed by his grandsons Craig Schultz, David Elzig, and many nieces and nephews.

He was born in Steamboat Rock, Iowa, to the late Charles Fremont and Anna Dora (nee Trittien) Elzig. Hal grew up working on the family farm before he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in the Korean Conflict and completed 3 tours in Vietnam. He was awarded many medals including a Purple Heart. After 22 years of service, he retired to other careers. He worked at the Marines Memorial Club in San Francisco as head of security, then retired from a civil service position as a hydraulic mechanic, as well as a ten year career working for  Enterprise Rental Car, before finally retiring for good.

Fishing was Hal’s passion! He loved talking about the 150 lb. halibut he caught in the Cook Inlet in Alaska where his younger brother Bob lives. It wasn’t unusual for him to get up at 3:30 am, head to the Stanislaus River and bring home a stringer of trout. His other passions included backyard barbecues, strawberries, friends, family, and watching both his cherished grandsons grow and play baseball.

Thank you to all the staff at Elders Inn and Pathway’s Hospice for their endless compassion and a special thanks to Lydia DeGarmeaux for her special care over the last four years to ensure Hal was always comfortable.

Hal will be remembered as a quiet, caring, giving man who served his family, friends, and country with honor and dignity. His memory will live forever in our hearts.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service with full military honors which will be held at 11am on Friday, July 20, 2018 at Greer Mortuary, Alameda. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Semper Fi Fund (https://semperfifund.org/donate/) would be appreciated. Private Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery will be held at a later date.

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