Elmer Tognetti's journey on this earth ended on Sunday, March 30, 2014 in King City. He was 96 and was born Nov 20, 1917 on the family farm and was the 2nd oldest of 5 children of Joseph and Beatrice Tognetti. He lived on the family farm his whole life except for 2 years while in college in the late 30's.

Elmer attended King City schools and in high school excelled in football, baseball, basketball and track. In 1937, he left King City for Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo where he played baseball and basketball. He graduated with a degree in Dairy Science in 1939 and returned to King City to start working on the family dairy.  Along with his brothers Aldo and Guido,  he grew sugar beets and beans. In 1948, they built a very modern dairy barn and feed mill barn. It was quite progressive for that time and tours from Cal Poly were often found at the Tognetti Dairy. Elmer planted the first lettuce field grown south of King City. Under his care the 15 acre crop proved successful. He continued running the family dairy and baling hay till 1972.

One of his greatest passions in life was his support of youth sports. He volunteered as Umpire in Chief for little league for 35 years.  The new Little League Park is named Tognetti Field in honor of Elmer and his cousin, Porky. In 1947, he was the manager of KC traveling baseball team and assisted in coaching football at King City High. In the late 40's and early 50's he managed a ladies softball team called the "King City Lionesses",  which traveled around the state for their games. Elmer was KC's Citizen of the year in 1982 and  was inducted into the KCHS  Hall of Fame a few years later. He was a 1945 charter member of the Lions Club and was a member of the Silver Kings and Queens and the Swiss American Club.

In retirement,  he enjoyed life with family and friends. He enjoyed hunting, spending winters in Arizona square dancing, playing Pedro, boating on the lake, traveling and umpiring high school baseball games. He especially enjoyed traveling to San Francisco to watch his beloved SF Giants.  He loved seeing his grandchildren and great grandchildren have a good time discovering the farm life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife Edith Vosti; his wife of 30 years Wanda, brothers Aldo, Guido and Paul and sister Josephine. Stepson Richard Merkle and stepdaughter Susan Lopez and great grandson, Kerrick Charette.

He leaves behind his 3 daughters: Norma Noble of Twenty Nine Palms; Faye Boston from Louisville, KY and Darlene (Danny) Newton of Lemoore, CA. Stepchildren: Jim and Bob Merkle of Paso Robles; Karen (Dale) Borzini of King City and Kathryn (Rick)  Machak of Fort Worth, TX.  Five granddaughters: Diane Shull, Denise Warrender, Dawn Noble, Brenda Boston and Lori Rossiter and nine great grandchildren; 2 stepgrandchildren and one great-great grandson. He is also survived by several nephews and nieces.

The family would like to thank his stepson, Bob Merkle for living with Elmer after Wanda passed in 2003 until 18 months ago when he needed more care. He wanted  to spend his final days on the ranch and it was possible with an agency called Caring Hand. The family is especially grateful to his wonderful caregivers Erwin Claudio and Carmen Salindo. They treated Elmer with respect, love, kindness, and friendship.  We express our sincere gratitude to Erwin's unconditional compassion as his caregiver and companion up until his last breath. A big thank you to our angel, Erwin.  God Bless You!

The family wishes to thank his friends for their thoughts and prayers which is greatly appreciated. He especially enjoyed his Pedro friends who joined him in celebrating his 96 birthday last November.

Private Memorial services will be held.

In memory of Elmer, please pay it forward and do something nice for someone or send a donation to KCHS Mustang Bench, P.O. Box 410, King City, CA 93930 or to your favorite charity.