Elmer was born May 14, 1935 to Harry and Martha (Barkema) Gealow in Belmond, IA. He attended Belmond Country School, Nashua, graduating from Ionia High School. Elmer was united in marriage to Clysta Meyer on April 6, 1957, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City, IA. He worked construction and then was Bricklayer all of his life until his retirement.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Clysta (Meyer) Gealow, of Marshalltown, three children; Leon (Nancy) Gealow, of Marshalltown, Lenny (Cindy) Gealow, of Lincoln NE, Londa (Peter) Halpin, of Portland ME, five grandchildren; Toni (Korey) Woodbury, Jacob Gealow, Lauren Gealow, Lee Gealow, Tina Beaurskens; one great grandchild, Deion Woodbury, five sisters; Doris (Gealow) Miller, Velma (Gealow) Brannon, Judy (Gealow) (Edward) Koler, Diane (Gealow) (Greg) Riles, and two brothers; Roger (Beverly) Gealow and Donnie (Patti) Gealow.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Harry and Martha Gealow; a sister, Melva Hills; a brother in infancy, Junior Gealow and brother-in-laws Don Miller, Emmett Brannon and Jim Hills.