Elmo F. Kaiser

Elmo Frank Kaiser, 95, Monango, ND died April 25, 2015 at Prince of Peace Care Center, Ellendale, ND under hospice care. Elmo was born January 8, 1920 in Cloud County, Kansas to Charles and Maude (Sommers) Kaiser. He grew up on the family farm in rural Kansas and graduated from Miltonvale High School in 1937. On June 20, 1941 he married Grace Phelps. They purchased the George Hafey farm in western Dickey County and spent the next 62 years on Kaiser Ranch where they raised their five sons. Upon graduation from Miltonvale High School, Elmo worked briefly at a fix-it shop. Because of the hard times during the depression, his boss wasn’t able to pay him. Elmo realized he needed a new career and started raising turkeys and sheep. In his dreams of expanding, Elmo read about the wide-open and inexpensive North Dakota land. He and Grace pursued this dream and moved in 1951. When they left Kansas their belongings were transported to Ellendale by railroad on one of the last immigration cars shipped to North Dakota. Elmo was interested in the latest farm equipment and was always creating and implementing ideas to make his operation more efficient. Even as a young child he was innovative and used the treadle from his mother’s sewing machine to power his toys. He had a strong work ethic and determination that he passed on to his family. He took great pride in his cattle production and was gifted in mechanical repair and welding. In his later years, Elmo became a master gardener and raised bushels of fresh produce. He enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, celebrating many birthdays and family events. Elmo’s survivors include: five sons, Ray (Jeremy Johnson) Kaiser, Blaine, MN, Bob (Karen) Kaiser, Ellendale, ND, Frank (Margaret) Kaiser, Monango, ND, John (Lou Ann) Kaiser, Monango, ND, and Jim (Kathy) Kaiser, Washburn, ND; one sister Joyce (Clarence), Swallow, Manhattan, KS, two brothers-in-law, Wayne (Melvajean) Phelps, Hutchinson, KS, Jim Phelps, Wakefield, KS; his sister-in-law Patricia Kaiser, Inglewood, CA. Elmo is also survived by eleven grandchildren: Jeff (Nicole) Kaiser, Alison (Kyle) Wendt, Steve (Bobbi) Kaiser, Tom (Becky) Kaiser, Anne (Randy) Hahne, Sarah (Laurie McWalter) Kaiser, Michael (Kristen) Kaiser, Ellen (Micah) Doebler, Charles (Brittney) Kaiser, Joseph, and Andrew Kaiser; twelve great-grandchildren: Lauren Kaiser, Jacob, Alex and Evan Wendt, Grace, Lincoln, Luke and Evalyn Kaiser, Audrey, Hadley, and Lucy Hahne, Ethan Doebler; and many nieces and nephews. Elmo was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Grace; his parents; brothers C. Wayne, and Don Kaiser; granddaughter, Alicia Kaiser; sister and brother-in-law Betty and Clayton Reed. The funeral is 10:30am Friday, May 1 at Presbyterian United Methodist Church, Ellendale with Pastor Paul Henschen officiating. Visitation is Thursday 2-7pm with a prayer service at 5:30pm at Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale. Visitation continues one hour prior to services at the church. Burial is at Ellendale City Cemetery. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel. www.hovenfuneralchapel.com