Elmer Isaac Alan passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, in Spearfish, SD, at the age of 92.
Born on the 5th day of February, 1927 to William and Lempi (Metsala) Alan, he was baptized and later confirmed by the Lutheran Church. He joined a brother, Gilbert, and sister, Miriam, and lived his young life on a ranch near Whitewood.
He received his 1st through 8th grade education from the nearby county school. He attended Whitewood High School until its closure, at which point he attended Lead High School until his graduation in 1945.
After graduation, he worked with his brother, Gilbert, and father, William, on the ranch outside of Whitewood. On June 10, 1961, Elmer Alan and Lottie (Hendrickson) Alan were married. They purchased a ranch 10 miles outside of Belle Fourche, SD, where they raised their children, Sheila (Mike) Reed, Linda Weliever, Rochelle (Don) Joslin, Velda (Jerry) Nelson, Tamara Alane Weber, Nikla Lempi (Jim) Pulaski, and Corey (Carissa) Alan.
Elmer served his community. He served on both the Lawrence and Butte County School Boards. He was a Board Member and President of the Butte Electric Corp. for many years. He served on the Rushmore Electric board for over 10 years, and he later worked as a member of the Whitewood Council for several years. After his time in public service, he continued his hard work at Silverado for 16 years.
Ever a seeker of knowledge, Elmer was an avid student of history, politics, and theology. He read many books, contributing to thousands of amazing conversations. Quick-witted and a great storyteller, he could captivate you one-on-one or keep a room on its toes.
Elmer was a man of many interests and everything he pursued, he did so fully and always with the goal of betterment, whether it was for himself, his family, his community, or his God. He was a faithful, devoted, and loyal Christian, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He gave us all the sisu he carried with him every second of his life.
Elmer was preceded in death by his wife, Lottie; father, William; mother, Lempi; sister, Miriam; brother, Heino; and son-in-law, David Weber.
He is survived by his brother, Gilbert; seven children, Sheila, Linda, Rochelle, Velda, Tamara Alane, Nikla Lempi, and Corey; as well as 19 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, August 18, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, SD.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 19, 2019, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 846 N. 7th Street, Spearfish, SD, with Pastor Gene Bauman officiating. Burial will follow at Whitewood Cemetery.

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