Elmer C. Roalkvam, 94, Minot, formerly of Upham, died Wednesday, May 23, 2012, in a Minot nursing home.
Elmer Clarence Roalkvam and his twin sister, Alma, were born Oct. 25, 1917, in Rugby, to Albert and Kari Roalkvam. He was raised on the family farm northwest of Upham in Deep River Township. Elmer attended country school through the eighth grade. He was a member of the Bloomfield Lutheran Church, now New Hope Lutheran Church, where he was confirmed.
He farmed and raised Registered Aberdeen Black Angus cattle with his dad and brother, Leonard. Elmer took care of his parents until their deaths. He continued to live on the farm. Elmer and his sister, Ruth, bought a home in Sun Air Estates, Peoria, Ariz., where he spent the winters until 2005. In 2005, Elmer moved into the Dakota Terrace Apartments in Minot. He lived there until moving to the Brentmoor Assisted Living facility in August 2008. Elmer became a resident of Trinity Homes in January 2012.
Elmer was proud of his Norwegian heritage. He made three trips to Norway to visit family and friends. Elmer enjoyed attending the Norsk Hostfest every year since it started. He enjoyed being able to converse in Norwegian. He also loved the North Dakota State Fair where he checked everything related to farming and attended the rodeo. In Arizona, Elmer enjoyed attending horse races and playing pool. Elmer was passionate about farming and his land. He wanted to know about spring's work and harvest, even though he had been retired for many years.
Family was very important to Elmer. Never having children of his own, Elmer's nieces and nephews and their children were his pride and joy. If a family gathering included whist, Elmer was the first one ready to play.
Elmer is survived by his nieces and nephews, James (Cyndy) Jorgenson, Kenmare, Karen (Phillip) Neidhardt, Knoxville, Tenn., Rodney (Sharon) Eidsness, Indianapolis, Larry (Holly) Eidsness, Minot, Carolyn (James) Bodell, Minot, and Mary Ann Hehr (MariBeth Reitmeier), Fargo; many great-nieces and great-nephews and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; and cousins, Kari (Cory) Mahle, Glenburn, and Leonard (Alfhild) Roalkvam, Stavenger, Norway.
Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; sisters and their husbands, Ruth Roalkvam, Alma (Leonard) Jorgenson and Lillian (Robert) Eidsness; and brother and his wife, Leonard (Irene) Roalkvam.
Funeral: Monday, June 4, at 1:30 p.m. at Trinity Homes Chapel, located at 305-8th Ave. NE, Floor 3, Minot.
Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
Visitation: Monday, one hour prior to the service at Trinity Homes Chapel, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to New Hope Lutheran Church, Upham, the Scandinavian Heritage Association, or to the donor's choice.
Those wishing to sign the online guest register or share memories of Elmer may access the online obituaries at (www.thompsonlarson.com).
Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot, is handling arrangements.
