Edward Lemer

Edward Lemer, 94, Drake, North Dakota, passed away Thursday, November, 3, 2022 at St. Aloisius Medical Center, Harvey, North Dakota. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 11, 2022 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Drake, North Dakota. Fr. Thomas Graner will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, November 10, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a rosary and vigil service at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Home, Drake, North Dakota.

Edward was born on the family farm north of Drake, ND on December 22, 1927, to John and Dorothy (Volk) Lemer. He was the 5th oldest of 12 children. He didn’t have much of an education, only completing the 8th grade. He went on to work on the family farm. In his spare time, he did carpentry work and other odd jobs. His work ethic and desire to take care of his family led him to enlist in the Army on January 22nd, 1951. Due to a family hardship, he was discharged and returned to the farm.

On October 20, 1965, he married Appollina Reiger. They continued to live on the farm and help his parents. One year later they welcomed a son, Philip, on October 18th, 1966. Their little family was completed when they welcomed their daughter, Mary Ann, on October 21st, 1968.

Ed continued to farm until 1981. With the help of his son, he continued to do carpentry work until May of 2000 when he retired. After retirement, Ed enjoyed gardening and playing cards. He loved his garden up until the very end.

Ed was a very kind and loving man. He was always willing to pitch in and lend a helping hand. He was a member of St. Margaret Mary Church of Drake, Drake Legion, and Harvey Eagles Club. His children, Philip and Mary Ann, were his pride and joy until his grandchildren came along. Philip, Ashley, and Heather were his world. He loved teaching them how to garden and play cards. He was especially happy to be a great grandfather to three little girls. He was always asking when they were coming to visit. He would hold and play with them for hours, never wanting to give them up.

He is survived by his son Philip (Lisa) Lemer of Drake; daughter Mary Ann Lemer of Drake; grandkids Philip Lemer of Drake, Ashley (Cody Faul) Lemer of Harvey, and Heather (Thomas) Osborn of Drake; great granddaughters Bailey Lemer, Karsyn Faul and Lilly Osborn; sisters Rose Mary (Franklin) Martin of Ross, Dorothy Reiger of Williston, and Margaret (Michael) White of Waite Park, MN.

Ed is proceeded in death by his wife, Opal; parents, John and Dorothy (Volk) Lemer; brothers Dennis, Mike, Johnny, Joe, Anton, Lawrence, and Peter; sister, Magdalena Sander.