Elmer Hanson, son of Harry August and Anna (Fliginger) Hanson, was born June 10, 1918, on a farm near Norris, South Dakota.  He grew up and received his education in the Norris and Yankton, South Dakota, areas.

Elmer was united in marriage to Marth Ruth Heinert on December 1, 1939, at Norris.  They farmed and ranched near Norris until the spring of 1954 when they moved to a farm near Hurley, South Dakota.  In the fall of 1954 they returned to the Kadoka-Philip area where they ranched until the present time.

In 1963 Elmer started his buffalo herd, beginning with three and building his herd to 80 head.

He attended the First Presbyterian Church of Kadoka, served on the board of directors for the Production Credit Association for 15 years, and was a five state regional director for six years.  He was one of the founders of the Kadoka Buffalo Stampede, was a member of the National Buffalo Association, and also enjoyed and supported rodeos.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Martha, of Kadoka; one son, Jerry Hanson of Douglas, Wyoming; three daughters, Mrs. Gary (Charlene) Sieler, and Mrs. Mike (Cheryl) Stroppel, both of Kadoka, and Mrs. Richard (Joanne) Stone of Rapid City, South Dakota; 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Leonard Hanson of Viborg, South Dakota, Albert Hanson of Sacramento, California, and Herbert Hanson of San Benito, Texas; one step-brother, George Martin of Menno, South Dakota; six sisters, Clara Nelsen and Marie Wenzlaff, both of Viborg, South Dakota, Viola Merrit and Myrtle Neil, both of Nampa, Idaho, Edna Kraayenbrink of Minnetonka, Minnesota, and Laura Christensen of Kadoka; three half-sisters, Elaine Hanson and Ruth Dittes, both of Ortonville, Minnesota, and Naomi Sandlin of Valentine, Nebraska; three step-sisters, Cora Letellier and Nellie Hanson, both of San Benito, Texas, and Florence Martin of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Oliver and Stanley Hanson; one step-brother, Anthony Martin; and one step-sisters, Lillian Martin.

Services
Friday, September 26, 1986
10:00 a.m.
First Presbyterian Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

Officiating
Reverend Gary McCubbin
Reverend Eugene Bushnell

Music
Jean Weller - Organist
Patricia Porch, Bunny Berry,
and Jean Merchen - Vocalists

Ushers
John Healy - Larry Beckwith

Active Pallbearers
Rocky Sieler - Randy Stone
Scott Sieler - Travis Hanson
Jeff Stone - Troy Hindman

Honorary Pallbearers
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

Interment
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota