Maurice Dade McErlane

Maurice D. McErlane, 83 of Devils Lake, ND formerly of Whitman and Oakes, ND died on Thursday, June 9, 2005 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND. Mass of Christian Burial for Maurice will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. C.F. Wilhelm will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Monday from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Tuesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Music will be cared for by: Patty Cote Maurice Dade McErlane was born on September 3, 1921 at Whitman, North Dakota the son of Charles and Fannie (Terrett) McErlane. He attended school at Whitman, graduating from Sarnia High School in the class of 1939. He then attended the North Dakota Agricultural College in Fargo. On March 26, 1942 he enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country during World War II, stationed at Cold Bay for 2 years. After his honorable discharge on November 3, 1945 as a Technician Third Grade he returned to North Dakota and attended UND, Grand Forks and was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. This is where he met and fell in love with Elizabeth Jean Kelly. Bette and Maurice were united in marriage on January 10, 1948 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devils Lake. They established their home in Whitman where he managed the Whitman Cooperative Elevator and their three children were born, Maurice Kelly in 1948, Patrick Charles in 1950 and Susan Elizabeth in 1952. In 1960 they moved to Devils Lake and Maurice managed the Farmers Mill and Elevator until 1966 when they moved to Oakes, ND. Here Maurice was the owner and operator of the Oakes Grain and Supply until he retired in 1974. They moved back to Devils Lake where they made their home through the years. Bette died on July 5, 1999. Maurice was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the American Legion and Elks Lodge. Maurice had a great love for farming but his greatest love was for his extended family. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, Big Band music, the beach in Oregon and the lake in Minnesota. He especially enjoyed watching all kinds of local sports. Maurice spent his retirement years being a “good Samaritan”, from running errands to mowing their grass to helping them with some of their day to day needs. Maurice will be so very missed by all. He is survived by his Son, Patrick McErlane and his wife, JoAnne of Fargo Daughter: Susan McErlane of Eugene, Oregon Grandchildren: Kersten (Corey) Turman, Erica (Cory) Newtan, Katie (Brad) Olineck, Kelly (Brian) Bunnell, Kari McErlane, Kristine (James) Willard and Brian (Kelli) Harrington. Great Grandchildren: Bailey and Tanner Turman; Elias and Noah Newtan; Estin Bunnell; McKenna Harrington. Sisters: Margaret Anderson, McVille, ND Mary (Richard) Mowbray, Bowie, Maryland Brothers: Charles (Muggie) McErlane, Lakota, ND James (Pat) McErlane, Placerville, California Many Nieces and Nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bette; son, Maurice Kelly in 1979.