Elmer Laib, 86, McClusky, ND passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at the CHI Community Memorial Hospital in Turtle Lake, ND.

Elmer was born on August 21, 1935, the second child of six children of Emanuel and Frieda (Kurle) Laib.  Through his late teens and as a young man, Elmer worked on the farm with his parents.  He took some time off to try his hand at picking walnuts in California – this was a short lived adventure.  On November 23, 1955, he married Odiela Mertz, at Mercer.  Their marriage spanned 58 years.  In 1956 they began farming southwest of McClusky and in 1957, they moved to a farm south of McClusky.  Here they expanded their farming operation while raising their 6 children.  In 1966, they had the first all electric heat home in the rural Capital Electric Cooperative area, and in 1972, they were selected as the Sheridan County Conservation Award winners!  While trying to have some adventures beyond farming, they had traveled the United States, fished in Canada, and visited Mexico.  In 1993, Elmer & Odiela purchased the R & H Motel in McClusky.  They expanded the operation in the ensuing years to include a bait shop and trailer park. They established many lifelong friendships with many of their seasonal customers.  Elmer was a member of Grace Lutheran Church where he had served as a Board member and was a member of the McClusky Sportsman's Club.  Elmer was always ready to provide a helping hand to friends or community.  He enjoyed a good "tractor drive" as much as anyone.  After Odiela's passing, Elmer sold the motel, but remained a resident in McClusky.  Elmer had a good sense of humor and enjoyed visiting with anyone. Elmer's interests and hobbies included farm toy collecting, fishing, traveling, playing bingo, bus tours, going to the casinos, and visiting.  His philosophy in his later years was to do whatever he wished, while enjoying life.  He was always looking to see where the next adventure would take him. His children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and family were very special to him.

Elmer will be missed by his family and friends.  He is survived by his children:  LaVern (Sherry) of McClusky, ND; Sheryl (Rocky) Shotnokoff of Idaho Falls, ID; Steven (Carol) of Sandy, UT; Elliot (Stephany) of Plano, TX; Virgil (Julie) of McClusky, ND and Lynette (Norman) Boehm of McClusky, ND; Brother:  Allan (Margie) Mercer, ND;  Sisters-in-law:  Michele Laib Selleck, Phoenix, AZ, Lois Mertz of Bismarck, ND,  Shirley Mertz of Minot, ND, and Marlene Grate of Bismarck, ND; Brothers-in-Law:  Ronald (Loretta)Mertz, William (Carol) Mertz, David (Sharon) Mertz, Curtis (Linda) Mertz, Clarence (Nancy) Mertz of Bismarck, ND, and Gary (Marilyn) Mertz of Mandan, ND.  He is also survived by many grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  He leaves behind many friends, including Tom Giese, who has been a close family friend for many years.

Elmer is preceded in death by Odiela, his wife of 58 years, his parents, sister:  Luella Anderson; brothers: Mervin, Larry, Melvin; sisters-in-law: Melita Rose Mertz and Glennis Muscha; brothers-in-law: Whelan Mertz, Allen Mertz, Arlin Mertz, and Ben Muscha.

In honoring Elmer's request, a graveside service is being scheduled for 2 pm on October 23, 2021, at St. Jacobus Lutheran Cemetery of rural Goodrich.  The cemetery is located 6 miles north of junction Highway 200 and Highway 14 and then 3 miles east on 11 ^th St NE.  Fellowship will follow the graveside service at McClusky City Hall until 5 pm.