Individual Details

Elmer Carl Kiekhaefer was the founder of Mercury Marine. He took over the fledgeling Thor outboard company, redesigned them to be dependable, and his Mercury Outboard empire grew for there. His factory began in an old Cederburg Wisconsin farmhouse Later moving to more automated factory in Fond du Lac. He later developed the mercruiser outdrive which is the most widely used outdrive today. His company created the first six cylinder outboard, first 100 horsepower outboard, power trim, electronic ignition, and one piece lower units. He made advances in offshore powerboat racing and endurance records for his outboard engines that still stand today.His legacy continues on as Mercury Marine is the number one manufacturer of outboard engines and stern drives.

Birth	4 Jun 1906	Mequon, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin
Census (family)	15 Apr 1940	Cedarburg, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin - Freda Lavonne Greenfield
Death	5 Oct 1983
Burial		Saint Charles Cemetery, Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin

Spouse	Freda Lavonne Greenfield (1909 - 2005)
Child	Helen Jean Kiekhaefer (1933 - 2012)
Child	Living

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