Elmer A. Flesher

Elmer “Bud” Flesher, 97, of Bettendorf, Iowa, passed away peacefully Friday, September 20, 2024, at Bettendorf Health Care Center surrounded by family. 

A private graveside service with military honors will be held at the Rock Island National Cemetery with a Celebration of Life at a later date. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities.

Elmer Arnold Flesher was born a sunny day, July 24, 1927, in the family home in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the son of Elmer and Margaret (Maier) Flesher. The Doctor was called off the golf course to welcome Bud into the world. Bud grew up following Elmer Sr. around several family businesses. He attended Castel Heights Military School and joined the United States Navy, stationed in New York during World War II. When he returned home, he meet his bride, Joan A. Mercurio, with whom he had three children with before separating. He later married Marilyn Bernadette Bremhorst. She preceded him on August 1, 2024.

Bud was a top salesman for Jaguar Cleveland Mayfield Heights Ohio, then becoming General Manager for three dealerships. He moved the family to Chicago to manage a dealership there. He changed careers into the Marine Industry after developing a hobby and getaway of boating for the family. He was general manager for the North on the River Marine Service.

In the late summer, Bud moved his children to Bettendorf, Iowa, where he bought Quad City Marine Company. He built, owned, and operated the Marquis Harbor Marina and the Captains Table Restaurant. Bud built and operated The Captains Quarters Dry Stack Marina in Le Claire, Iowa and the Moline Operation. He was the Harbor Master for the Lindsey Park Boat Club. Bud was a very well respected individual in the Marine Industry for over 50 years. He got restless and became the manager for the Davenport Elks Club before settling at the Rock Island Arsenal as food service manager in 1993. In retirement, he took over management of the Springbrook Country Club and was nicknamed “Sweet Old Bud”. 

He was a self made man whom enjoyed a good cigar and a crown royal on the rocks. Always listening to Dixie Land Jazz playing in the background watching the mighty Mississippi River roll by. He was an avid owner and fan of racecars. 

Those left in his memory are children, Mary Jo (Russell Auliff) Flesher-Auliff of Bettendorf, IA, Chuck (Denise) Flesher of The Villages, FL, and Chris (Jane) Flesher of Pleasant Valley, IA; step-daughter, Kimberly (Chris) Phelps, grandchildren, Staff Sgt. Greg (Laura) Foland, David (Erica Bloom) Foland, Michael (Megan) Ayers, Patrick Auliff, Brinlee (Courtney) Flesher, Les (Lily) Flesher, Ashley (William) Nelson, and Michael Phelps; great-grandchildren, Leah, Frank, Gunner, Ari, Faith, Logan, Finnelly, Bryan, Fred, and Cooper. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernie; parents; siblings, Dorthy Hanbrech, Betty Flesher, and William Flesher; and a nephew, Sgt. James Loathman, whom passed in Vietnam Combat. 

May Bud rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.