William “Elmer” Boesl, 93, of Fargo, ND, passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at Rosewood on Broadway in Fargo.

Elmer was born June 26, 1927, at Wales, ND, to Peter and Helen (Schuler) Boesl. He grew up and attended school in the Mt. Carmel area.  In 1948, he joined the US Army, completing his basic training at Ft. Lewis, Washington. He was then called up in 1950 and went overseas for duty in the Korean Conflict. He received many awards including a Purple Heart and Silver Star before being honorably discharged in December of 1951. Elmer married Dorothy Schons on December 28, 1957, in Langdon, ND. Together, they had eight children. Dorothy passed away in 1989. Elmer then married Jean Biby on August 15, 1998, at Churches Ferry, ND. Elmer worked in various grain elevators and drove semi and truck for various companies throughout his life.

Elmer was a jack-of-all-trades who enjoyed tinkering and fixing all things. He did woodworking and made several wonderful creations for anyone who asked. One of his specialties was children’s adirondack chairs. He enjoyed learning and visiting with everyone. Elmer was quick with a comment or opinion but truly loved having conversations with everyone. His sense of humor, handshakes, and hugs will be greatly missed.

Surviving Elmer are wife Jean; his children: Randy (Mona) Boesl of Covington, WA, Rick Boesl of Ryrie, ID, Toni (Alan) Halvorson of Casselton, ND, Helen Nelson, Steve “Beaver” Boesl, Dan Boesl of Kemp, TX, and Jackie (Steve) Johnson of Clark, CO; 14 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; siblings: Emeric (Faye) Boesl and Leona (Pat) Howatt – both of Langdon; and several wonderful nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Dorothy; daughter Colleen; daughter-in-law Nina; and siblings: Marie, Mildred, Allen, Harold, Mark, Eugene, and Peter.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2020, at St. Edward’s Cemetery in Nekoma, ND. Social distancing and use of masks is encouraged. Feel free to bring a lawn chair. If weather does not allow the service to be held outdoors, the service may be moved to Concordia Lutheran Church in Edmore.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Edward's Cemetery in Nekoma, ND - address for memorials: 509 8th Ave., Langdon, ND 58249.