Jackson, Mich. (WKHM, Greg O’Connor) — A true Jackson legend, and one of the last remaining survivors of Pearl Harbor, Herb Elfring passed away Saturday after a sudden illness at the age of 102, leaving fewer than two dozen known surviving veterans of the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941.

In an article published by the University of Michigan three years ago, Elfring described how the initial air attack bullets missed him by about 15 feet.

Elfring attained an electrical engineering degree from the University of Michigan and was a diehard Wolverine. He met his late wife Ruth Royce at Michigan, and the couple had five children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Elfring worked for Consumers Power, and after his career there, was a stalwart for the Kiwanis Club of Jackson for over 30 years. Elfring was always helping others — especially youth.

Arrangements are pending. WKHM’s deepest condolences to his many friends and family members.