Marvin Roy Elsner was born 23 February 1923 in Chicago. His parents were Fred Albert Elsner (1892-1972) and Emma Albertina Adelina Wiedenhoeft (1891-1972). He married Margot Helen Weidmann (1927-1984), daughter of George Lannert Weidmann (1893-1944) and Lena Meiser (1895-1983). They had three children, Susan, Steven and Carol. Ancestors, descendants and relatives lived mainly in Germany and Illinois.