Elmer C. Morland, 87, Amidon/New England, ND, died Thursday, October 16, 2008 at the West River Regional Medical Center, Hettinger. Elmer’s funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at Lebanon Lutheran Church, Amidon. Interment will follow at the Lebanon Lutheran Cemetery with military honors provided by the News England American Legion, Anton Ulijohn Post #66, and an Honor Guard provided by the Peace Officers Association. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

Elmer was born July 15, 1921 the son of Jens and Selma (Dalhaug) Morland, in Sand Creek Township, Slope County. He was confirmed at Lebanon Lutheran Church on July 25, 1937. He attended Amidon Grade School, and one year at Amidon High School, New England Public High School and graduated from Dickinson Model High in 1941. After graduation he worked in the AAA office for two years.

On December 28, 1944 Elmer married Lorraine B. Stenmoen, the love of his life.  In 1946 he enlisted in the Army and was honorably discharged in 1948. While in the Army, he was a golden gloves boxer. In 1949, they moved to Mott, ND where he farmed and spent winters in California working as a welder.  In 1956 he moved back to the family farm and continued to farm until his retirement.

Elmer was elected Slope County Sheriff in 1961 and served for 26 years, retiring from the department in 1987. He was one of the main organizers of the Amidon Fire Department, which was organized in 1971, and he served as secretary/treasurer for 2 years. He was elected to the township board and  served until 2007. Elmer was a life time member of the American Legion and was president of the church board when the new Lebanon Lutheran Church was dedicated in 1963 where he remained a life time member. He also served as a member and officer of the Amidon School Board.

Elmer and Lorraine purchased a residence in New England after retirement, and he traveled back and forth to the family farm in Amidon.  He enjoyed his hobby of woodworking, gardening, playing cards and visiting with family and friends.

Elmer is survived by, his wife Lorraine; children, Linda (Cliff) Stecher, New England, Geraldine (Gary) Burkhardsmeier, New England, and Delmer (Traci) Morland,  Wisconsin; grandchildren, Shane (Kristen) Stecher, Shanna Stecher, Shad Kouba and Alex Morland; and one great grandson McKoy Stecher. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, Jens and Selma Morland;  brother, Sanford Morland; sister, Jean Steiner; and an infant brother.