Elmer Hammer

He grew up and graduated from Fairdale High School. After graduation, he attended and graduation from the Industrial Training Institute in Chicago, Illinois.  In April 1942, Elmer volunteered in his brother's (Oscar) place and served for four years in the United States Army Air Force and served as an instrument specialist and expert shooter and a graduate of the United States Army as an Air Force Arial Gunner and Crew Mechanic. He returned to the United States in the spring of 1947.  He was a member of the Air Force Reserve for a number of years after his discharge.  Elmer was married to Bella Hooey on June 10, 1947 at the Highland Lutheran church rural Fairdale, ND.

Elmer is a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and a member of the Concordia College C-400 club. He also served for a number of years as the chaplain for the Fairdale American Legion and was a member of the V.F.W. Post at Lakota.

Elmer provided insight and guidance to many organizations. He was a chairman of the Red River Regional Planning Council, and a supervisor of the Walsh County Soil Conservation District.  He also served on the North Dakota State Soil Conservation Board as a director.  Elmer was appointed by Governor Arthur Link to serve on the State and Local Affairs Council at Bismarck.  He served as a Kinloss Township supervisor for 20 years and 37 years as clerk-treasurer.  He also served on the Fairdale Farmers Co-op Elevator and Farmers Union Oil Boards.  He also served on the Lutheran Sunset Board, Lutheran Sunset Founders Board, and Our Redeemer's Board and also was a Sunday school teacher.  For over 52 years in the Fairdale area, his ardor for snow removal benefitted the community.  Farming was his passion and he farmed in Fairdale ND, for 54 years until he suffered a broken hip in 2001.  His kindness and generosity has touched many.

He will be greatly missed and remembered by his wife Bella, daughter Karla (Tim Olson) and five grandchildren Megan, Courtney & Taylor Hammer and Jeff & Nick Olson. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Marvin, William, Elvin, & Oscar.

The Hammer family wishes to thank the Lutheran Sunset Home for the wonderful care and compassion shown to Elmer over the past years.

Funeral services will be Thursday November 13, 2008 at 10:00 AM at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church, Fairdale, ND. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church on Thursday for one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be at Silvesta Lutheran Cemetery near Fairdale, ND.

The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangements.

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