John D. Urlacher, 90, formerly of New England, died on Thursday, August 10, 2023 surrounded by his family at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. John’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Gary Benz as celebrant and Msgr. Thomas Richter as con-celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, New England. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a St. Pius Rosary and Vigil led by Deacon Victor Dvorak at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
John D. Urlacher was born on his grandparents’ (Anton and Margaret Urlacher) farm southeast of New England on October 9, 1932 to Dominic and Mary Ann (Kuntz) Urlacher. He attended Ott School in Kennedy Township for six years. In 1945, the family moved to a farm two miles north of New England. John graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1951.
John was united in marriage to Eleanor Hutmacher on June 9, 1953 at St. Edwards Catholic Church, Fayette. John and Eleanor farmed along with his parents on the family farm. In 1975 they purchased the farm when Dominic and MaryAnn retired. They had dairy cattle, hay and planted small grain crops. In 1988, he sold the dairy cattle and raised beef cattle until retirement in 1999.
He was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church, St. Pius Verein, Knights of Columbus, and St. Anthony Club. He was a former member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he was active in both Church and School organizations. John was also active with ND Milk Producers and SW Grain Cooperative. He enjoyed bowling, playing cards, attending livestock events, traveling and attending family events.
John is survived by his wife, Eleanor, Dickinson; his children, David (Belinda) Urlacher, Belfield, Donald (Diane) Urlacher, New England, Diane (Bill) Stenberg, Brooklyn Park, MN, Jeanne (Bob) Gunderson, Dillon, MT, Melvin (Kathy Anderson) Urlacher, Minneapolis, MN, Allan (Amy) Urlacher, Dickinson, Brenda (Brian) Barton, Fargo, Gregg (Mary) Urlacher, Regent, and Loran (Peggy) Urlacher, Bismarck; 17 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and sister, Betty Jane (Edward) Barth, Dickinson.
He was preceded in death by his son, Randall “Randy” Urlacher; his parents; sisters, Irene Benz and Luella Emmil.
