Ernest J. Underland, 91, Dickinson, died Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at CountryHouse Residences, Dickinson. Ernest’s funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at Daglum Lutheran Church with Reverend Roger Dieterle officiating, interment will follow at Daglum Cemetery. Visitation will Tuesday, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. with the family present from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson. Visitation will continue one hour prior to service time at the church. Military honors provided by the Dickinson Honors Team.
Ernest Jerome Underland was born April 7, 1920 to Nels and Augusta (Bjorndahl) Underland at New England. He was the youngest of four children that included a brother Arthur, sisters Dorothy and Agnes (Underland) Adrian. Ernest attended country grade school and Belfield High School. He worked for various farmers and ranchers after high school in the Daglum and Belfield area and in 1942 was the first person drafted in Stark County; being number one on the Stark County Selective Service Board. He saw active duty in World War II in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Ernest received two good conduct medals and one medal for serving in the American Theatre.
After his honorable discharge from the Army, Ernest wildcatted the first oil well drilled in Stark County located just west of Dickinson and north of I-94. His career continued to evolve around mineral exploration and drilling, first in the United States and then overseas. During this period he traveled extensively the world over and had many fascinating stories to tell of working and vacationing in places such as Israel, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Africa, Australia, Norway, Iceland, Great Britain and many other countries.
After his brother Arthur died, Ernest retired and came back to live on the home place and look after the farming and ranching interests. In 2005, Ernest fell and broke his hip and consequently went to live at CountryHouse Residences in Dickinson. He was extremely happy with his new home and the wonderful care and love he received at CountryHouse. He could frequently be found giving history and geography lessons or quoting Shakespeare to an attentive staff member.
Ernest’s health began to decline over the last year and he died December 21, 2011 with dignity and courage under the skilled care of Heartland Hospice and CountryHouse. Ernest is survived by his nephews and nieces and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
