Elmer and Catharine Knabe in 1969      

Who We Are

Elmer’s Aquarium Pet Center was founded in 1969 by Elmer Knabe, and his wife Catharine.  The store expanded several times into several adjacent store-rooms, and basement.

  Elmer's dedication to customer service and healthy livestock helped the store grow.  Today many people fondly remember when Elmer helped them set-up their aquarium back in the early 1970's.

 Elmer's Aquarium is still family owned and operated.  Elmer Knabe passed away in 1995.  Elmer's son Gary, and his daughter, Karen have been involved with the business since its beginnings, and operate the store today. 

Our Management Team:

Gary Knabe:   Elmer's son Gary is the company president.   Gary helped his parents open the store in 1969, and has been a partner in the company since 1974.

Karen Lukacsena:  Elmer's daughter Karen is the company vice-president.  She has been with the company since 1969.

David Grainy:  David is the Aquatic Livestock Department manager.  David has been with the company since 1982

Barbara Brill:  Barbara is manager and has been with the company since 1979.

Steve Zarod:  Steve is our Aquarium Service Dept manager and has been with the company since 1995

Kristy Palkovich is our aquatic dept assistant manger.   She has been with us since 2004.

James Hermann is our aquatic dept assistant manager.  He has been with us since 2004/