A streaming of the service for Elmer will be available to view the day after his service at www.mtmsales.net/thomas

To view the flowers from Elmer's service, click here: Elmer Lauf Flowers 1

Elmer Lauf, 89, rural Hazen, died Tuesday, April 27, 2021 in a New Salem, ND nursing home.

Elmer was born on the Lauf Family Homestead nestled between Hazen and Pick City, ND on February 9, 1932 to Robert and Lea (Sailer) Lauf. He attended country school as most did during his era, often sharing stories of his classmates of different grades in the same room.  He was known to be a very good baseball player during his playing days.

Elmer was united in marriage to Lucille Unterseher on July 1, 1956 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Hazen.  They made their home on the Lauf Family Farm and eventually assumed control of the farm from his parents.  They were blessed with the birth of their only son, Brent in 1965. Elmer and Lucille maintained a dairy operation for many years, farmed small grains and raised beef cattle. Hereford and Angus were staples of production on the farm for many years. Elmer remained a good steward of the farm his entire life always keeping the yard in pristine condition, pushing the snow so they could travel to town and always making sure Lucille's garden was ready to plant. Elmer was quite the shot when it came to protecting the produce in their garden!

Elmer and Lucille supported their son Brent during his sports days in high school and college as fans of the Knights and Mystics. They remained his biggest fans through his coaching career. This tradition continued from the stands with pride for their grandchildren as fans of the Holsteins, Mystics, Lakers, Flashes, Royals and Vikings.

Elmer was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church of rural Hazen, where he was active on the council for many years. He was a past board member of the Farm Bureau, FHA and the District 33 Election Board, spending several years as inspector during his tenure. Elmer treasured his time as a member of the German English Singing Group that sang at the Knife River Care Center in Beulah and around the area for special community events.

Elmer was quick to greet and have a conversation with those around him. He stayed true to his German heritage his entire life, often greeting family, friends and later caregivers in German.  Coupled with his easy smile, gentle blue eyes and an explanation in English, Elmer was a friend to many. Elmer will be missed most by those who knew him as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, in-law and neighbor on the farm. "Gut gemacht, dein gutter und treuer Diener!" (Well done, thy good and faithful servant)

Elmer is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lucille, rural Hazen; grandchildren Justin (fiancée Sam Wise) Lauf, Minot, Samantha Lauf, San Diego, CA, Kyley Lauf, Valley City, ND, Madison Lauf, Minot and Lincoln Roth, Minot; great-grandchildren Bo Banks, Blakely Jo Lauf and Isaac Louis; sister DeLora Kellar, Bismarck, ND; brother Emil Lauf, Beulah, ND; sister-in-law Naomi Lauf, Bismarck, ND; daughter-in-law Allison (Mark) Roth, Minot, ND along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, son Brent, infant brother Edward Lauf, brother Iver Lauf  and brother-in-law Aaron Kellar.

Celebration of Elmer's Life:  11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 6, 2021 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, rural Hazen. A streaming of the service for Elmer will be available to view the day after his service at www.mtmsales.net/thomas
Interment:  St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Hazen, ND.
Visitation: One hour prior to the start of the service at the church on Thursday, May 6, 2021
Memorials are preferred to St. Paul Lutheran Church, rural Hazen.