Elmer Neckels

Elmer C. Neckels, 99 of Dickinson died Thursday, July 3, 2003 at St. Joseph?s Hospital, Dickinson. Elmer was born October 3, 1903 at Twin Brooks, SD, the son of Fredrick and Louise Hoermann Neckels He was the youngest in the family with one brother and seven sisters. He attended elementary school through the fourth grade in Waubay, SD and then moved with his parents and two youngest sisters to a homestead northeast of Grassy Butte. Elmer took on the farming responsibilities at the homestead, as his father was a carpenter. In 1929 they moved to his sister Emilie?s homestead, eventually acquiring it and three other homesteads and exchanging railroad land for lands adjacent to the ranch. Elmer was married to Bessie Miller on June 25, 2932 in Wibaux, MT. They raised their Family and made their home on the family farm/ranch six miles south of Grassy Butte until they moved to Dickinson in 1968. Hard work, farming, ranching and his family were Elmer?s life. He traveled to visit his kids and made sure he attended the wedding of each grandchild. Elmer and Bessie spent 68 years together before she passed away in September of 2000. In October of 2001 Elmer moved into the Evergreen Assisted Care Residence and enjoyed support and friendship of the staff and residents there. Survivors include a son, Jack (Jolene) Neckels Buena Vista, CO; a daughter, Audrey (Kenneth) Scott, Sellersburg, IN; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His wife, Bessie, his parents, a brother and seven sisters preceded him in death. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Evergreen Assisted Care Residence or your favorite charity in Memory of Elmer.


Click to View Program (PDF)


Burial Date: July 7, 2003
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral: Monday, Reedemer Lutheran, Dickinson