Elmer Dean Ehlers, 88

Elmer Dean Ehlers passed away on September 21, 2023, at the Dillon Pioneer Nursing Home at the age of 88.

Elmer was born to Henry and Amanda Ehlers in Burwell, Nebraska, on July 15, 1935. Elmer and his family moved from Nebraska to Keystone, South Dakota, in 1937. He spent his youth in Keystone, and on April 1, 1953, he married Mary Ann Goodart. Elmer and Mary Ann had three children, Russell, Jeannie, and Merlin.

Elmer worked various jobs around Keystone and Hill City. In 1955 he started working for the Forest Service, then in 1959, he joined the Helitack in Hill City as one of the first crews to be formed. He continued his career with the Forest Service and then moved his family to Trout Creek, Montana in 1964.

He was medically retired in 1974 from the Forest Service. With the Forest Service, he did Helitack, packed mules, forestry, range management, and other various jobs.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and his son Russell.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mary Ann, his daughter, Mary Jean (Clinton) Brown, and their four children and seven grandchildren; son Merlin, and his two daughters and six grandchildren.

Elmer enjoyed horses, dogs, hunting, fishing, camping, and shooting. He also enjoyed dancing with his wife, Mary Ann.

Elmer was well known for his smiles, laughter, and wit.

Cremation has taken place and graveside services are tentatively planned at the Hill City Cemetery on September 30, 2023, at 1 PM. There is also a plan for a Celebration Life on October 28, 2023, at the family home in Whitehall, Montana, at 1 PM for family and close friends.