Some call him Elmer. Some Padre. Others call him Whiskey Bravo 8 Yankee Yankee Delta (WB8YYD.)
In the world of amateur radio—also known as ham radio—that’s Father Elmer Marquard’s call sign. Fr. Elmer has been a resident at Regina Health Center (RHC) for five years and has been a ham radio enthusiast for nearly 40 years.
When he’s not busy celebrating Mass, hearing confessions, anointing the sick, participating in the many activities at RHC or socializing with other residents, he can be found talking to fellow ham operators around the world and even in outer space—all from the comfort of his room.
During Pope Francis’ visit to the United States in 2015, Fr. Elmer and other ham radio operators had a special link to the Pope’s caravan. Fr. Elmer was able to communicate with the caravan on five separate occasions and received a certificate acknowledging the accomplishment. He has also communicated with astronauts in space. He and a friend were able to track the astronauts’ location and when they were high above RHC, they sent them a radio message. The astronauts sent back an audible beep to acknowledge receiving Fr. Elmer’s message.
He was introduced to amateur radio in 1966 by a parishioner at his first parish assignment at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Wooster, Ohio. Because ham radio operators must take a test and be licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the parishioner served as Fr. Elmer’s “Elmer”—coincidentally, Elmer is the term used to describe a ham radio mentor—helping him receive his first amateur radio license. He has since obtained more advanced licenses, so he can use more of the radio spectrum to communicate with ham operators around the world through a program on his computer.
“Ham radio introduces me to a diverse group of people, cultures and languages. It really opens up the world,” said Fr. Elmer.
As Fr. Elmer moved to new locations within the Diocese of Cleveland, his love for ham radio followed. He spent 11 years in Wooster, also serving as the campus minister at Wooster College. He then served as the director of continuing education for the diocese. In addition to holding positions at five separate colleges, he hosted a two-hour radio talk show on Sunday nights called “In Touch” on WJW-AM. He said it was two hours of “sheer terror” because he never knew who might call in to the show and what they might say.
He went on to serve at more parishes before eventually becoming the chaplain at St. John Medical Center for 14 years. While he has slowed down some, he appreciates that he can still be as active as he wants at RHC.
“The spirit of the sisters, priests and lay people who live and work here all build the foundation that makes this such a nice, holistic environment,” said Fr. Elmer. “Being engaged with others is important and there are many ways to do that here.”