Nolan “Shorty” L. DeMarce age 87 of Elmwood, passed away peacefully on Saturday March 6, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.

Shorty was born October 11, 1933 in rural Elmwood to parents, Lynn and Helen (Weber) DeMarce.  He spent his youth in the Elmwood area where he graduated from Elmwood High School.  In December 1951, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served in the Korean War.  After the service, Shorty returned to Elmwood to marry his high school sweetheart, Janet Claflin on August 25, 1953.

Shorty and his father, Lynn, started a family business, “DeMarce TV & Cable” and ran it for over 45 years.  He was very active in the Elmwood community.  Shorty served as the Fire Chief for 35 years, member of the American Legion, President of the Elmwood Food Pantry, member of the Booster Club, Elmwood Rod & Gun Club.  Shorty was a member of the football “chain gang” for 50 years.  He was an active member of the United Methodist Church and he announced the UFO Days parade for many years.

Shorty’s passion was following all of his grandkids events, woodworking, traveling and remodeling for his family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife Janet of 67 years; his children, Deb (Rick) Micek, Sue (Wayne) Stashek, Mike (Cris Dancker), Renee (Jim) Conway, Jeff “Gup” (Holly); 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren; sisters, Joan Lecheler, and Terry Lynn (Steve) Milliren; in-laws, Carol Lierman, Linda (Will) Jeffrey, Roger (Ilene) Claflin; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Shorty is preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law, Albert Lecheler, Roy Lierman, Kenneth Claflin and sister-in-law, Ardeth Claflin.

The family would like to thank the Mayo Clinic Home Health and Hospice for the wonderful care that they have received.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, private family services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday March 12, 2021 at the United Methodist Church in Elmwood.  The funeral services will be Livestreamed at:  https://youtu.be/fxDJiIDTWbE.  Burial will be in the Poplar Hill Cemetery with military honors provided by the Crain-Ottman American Legion Post 207 of Elmwood.

Public visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Elmwood.  Social distancing and facial masks will be required.

Condolences

1. Greg Weber March 13, 2021, at 10:42pm

   My condolences to Mr. DeMarce’s family and friends. Football or basketball games he was always there. Greg Weber, EHS Class of ‘73

2. Andy Lamb March 11, 2021, at 3:27pm

   Rest in peace my friend. A true icon. I always enjoyed your one of a kind wit. God's blessing to the entire family at this difficult time.

3. Mike and Ruth Kasten March 11, 2021, at 8:58am

   Our sincere sympathy to the DeMarce Family with the passing of Shorty. He was an important part of the Elmwood Community.
   Our Condolences to all,
   The Kasten Family

4. Kathy & Bob Geraets March 11, 2021, at 7:28am

   When you think of Elmwood and any event Nolan was usually there ,doing what he could to help. He will be missed

5. Ned & Anna Waltz March 10, 2021, at 10:27pm

   So sorry to hear about Nolan's passing. Our thoughts and sympathy to his family.
   I have many fond memories of Nolan coming out to our house to fix out TV.
   He always seemed to enjoy answering all of our questions about the bunt out tubes he replaced!
   in no time at all, the Waltz kids were get their
   "Screen Time!" Rest in peace, Nolan
   Ned & Anna Waltz

6. Bev and Tanya Maves March 10, 2021, at 2:28pm

   Many thoughts and prayers to the DeMarce family. I used to love coming up to the house with my brother Mike as a little girl. Hanging out up in the play house, chilling at the bar in the basement sharing a can of Tab with Renee and tagging along with Shorty in the yard. Also going down to the store to get Zenith TV boxes where my friends and I would construct forts/houses out of them back in the day! I’m blessed to have those memories and will miss him stopping to chat when he was out and about on a ride. Mom and I send much love to all of you during this difficult and sad time.

7. Heidi Albarado March 10, 2021, at 12:53pm

   From everyone at the Pierce County Food Pantry our very sincere condolences to your family for the loss of your loved one. Our prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. He will be deeply missed and we are grateful for the opportunity to have known him.

8. Stanley Larson March 10, 2021, at 9:52am

   I knew the family real,real well.

9. Jim Krause March 9, 2021, at 7:29pm

   Janet and Family, I was sorry to hear of Shorty's passing. When I worked for Him and his Dad at Demarce TV and Cable He was like a brother to me. Lots of great memories from work and having the cabin together at Barnes. Many memories working on the cabin and deer hunting up there. He will be missed. RIP Nolan. Jim, Friend and Past Brother in Law.fi

10. March 9, 2021, at 4:02pm

    Dear Family, When we think of Elmwood, we often think of the DeMarces. They were such a part of that town. Our sympathy to all of you.
    Dick & Marlene Zimmer

11. Russ and Mandy Phillips March 9, 2021, at 11:23am

    We are so sorry to hear of "Shortys" passing... He was such a nice guy and such a huge pillar to the Elmwood community for so many years!!!
    Our deepest sympathy go out to all of his family and friends...

12. marge binkowski March 9, 2021, at 9:23am

    Sincere sympathy to Janet and her family.
    Marge and Tony Binkowski

13. Dave &Val Nelson March 9, 2021, at 8:17am

    So sorry to hear of Shorty's passing. He was surely one of a kind and he will be missed by all who knew him. Deepest sympathy to his entire family.

14. Jeff Abbott March 9, 2021, at 5:55am

    Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Shorty is one of those who just brings joy to everyone. In all my years at the ball diamond, your great family remains one of my all-time favorites. Take care and much peace to all of you! Rhonda and Coach Abbott

15. MAXINE HUBER March 9, 2021, at 12:37am

    MY sympathy to the family for your loss

16. Gary & Roxann Peterson March 8, 2021, at 7:25pm

    Our deepest sympathy to the DeMarce family. Shorty was a kind and generous person, giving so much to the community. His laugh and sense of humor will always be remembered. RIP Shorty. Your work is done and you can rest.

17. Kevin and Carol Fredrickson March 8, 2021, at 7:08pm

    Our condolences. Shorty left many of us with many fond memories, that’s for sure! He put the E in Elmwood! I am pretty sure he is at the Pearly Gates of Heaven, on a stage, with a mic., announcing the names of all the newcomers. R.I.P., Nolan.

18. Gary and Judi Bauer March 8, 2021, at 7:06pm

    Our sympathy to the DeMarce family. Keeping you in our prayers

19. Tom and Dawn Lechner March 8, 2021, at 6:39pm

    Janet and family. Sorry for your loss. What a great guy and it reflects to you and your family. We have all lost a very kind and great gentleman. We will miss Shorty a whole bunch. I will never forget the times in Barnes. Goodbye Shorty

20. Bill McRoberts March 8, 2021, at 6:38pm

    My sympathies to the DeMarce family.

21. Pat and Cindy Auth March 8, 2021, at 6:33pm

    So sorry to hear about Shorty's passing. Our thoughts and sympathy to the family. We have many fond memories of Shorty. Rest in peace.

22. Tanner and Jennifer (Micek) Balfany March 8, 2021, at 6:03pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Hugs to all of you. May God comfort.

23. Ed and Jan Jelinek March 8, 2021, at 6:00pm

    You were blessed to have a father so special and caring. His memory will live forever in your hearts. ????????????????

24. Tim and LIsa Maves March 8, 2021, at 5:53pm

    Sue, and family, we send our sincere sympathy.

25. Clint Manchester March 8, 2021, at 5:35pm

    Jess and I send out deepest thoughts and praryers to the family. Shorty was a man I respected a great deal. He is the epidomy of what all humans should strive to become.. he will forever be in our hearts

26. Pat and Sue Michels March 8, 2021, at 5:05pm

    Much love and many prayers to Holly, Gup and family, as well as the entire DeMarce family.

27. Jean Price March 8, 2021, at 4:39pm

    Deepest sympathy to the DeMarce family.

28. Jerry & Jayne Holt March 8, 2021, at 4:33pm

    Our condolences to the DeMarce family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

29. Jamie Reitz March 8, 2021, at 4:05pm

    My sympathy to the entire DeMarce families.

30. Jodell & John Marson March 8, 2021, at 3:35pm

    Our deepest sympathy to the DeMarce family. Wishing you comfort and strength in the weeks to come.

31. Dave Weber March 8, 2021, at 2:42pm

    My condolences to Nolan's family.

32. Suzi Crownhart March 8, 2021, at 2:30pm

    My sympathy to Shorty’s family. He was a terrific guy!

33. Joe and Jan Drier March 8, 2021, at 2:17pm

    Sending our Prayers and Sympathy to Nolan’s Family!!

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