Harlan "Dutch" Boyer

Dutch’s service will be livestreamed below at 2:00 pm, Thursday, November 16, 2023

Harlan “Dutch” Boyer, age 90, passed away peacefully Wednesday November 1, 2023, at his home in Fargo, ND surrounded by his loving family.

Dutch was born May 29, 1933, in Wahpeton, ND to Andrew J. and Minnie Northway Boyer, the 15th of 16 children. He was raised on a farm West of Walcott. Dutch attended a country school and graduated from Walcott, ND High School, lettering in basketball and was cheered on by his favorite cheerleader Elaine Larson. He attended Valley City State Teachers College in Valley City, ND. Dutch was drafted in 1953 and while on furlough, he married the love of his life Elaine Larson. They were united as husband and wife at Walcott Lutheran Church on August 7th, 1953. Dutch was then shipped out to Korea for two years and was honorably discharged as Sargent (E5). Upon returning from Korea, he was employed by Dakota Sash and Door where he fell in love with woodcraft. In June 1956 Dutch began his career with the U.S. Postal Service, he enjoyed his job as Training Supervisor and acting Postmaster in several cities. He retired in January 1989. His retired life was filled as a handyman/builder and sports enthusiast.

As a lifetime member of the Walcott American Legion, he enjoyed ceremonial Memorial Day salutes at the cemetery and was also a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Elaine and Dutch have been members of Olivet Lutheran Church since 1956, where Dutch was on the call committee and occasionally taught Sunday School.

Dutch and Elaine were a true team and always shared their love of carpentry, golf, gardening, canning, bowling, cards, landscaping and family get togethers. They loved to travel and explore with family and friends. Their trip to Norway was especially memorable.

Dutch leaves behind his wife of 70 years, Elaine and three children; Steven Boyer, Jim (Laura) Boyer and Michelle Boyer; 7 grandchildren: granddaughter-in-law Amber Faleide, Jordan Magrum, Andrew Magrum, Anthony (Tray) Boyer, Katherine (Tate) Petry, Griffin (Alex) Williams, Cora (Solomon) Hins; 8 great-grandchildren, Ethan Magrum, Teagan Magrum, Sean Allen, Rayah Magrum, Huck Magrum, Charlotte Petry, Oliver Petry, and Boden Williams; three siblings; Clarice Skjonsby, Darrel Boyer, and Geraldine (Dennis) Fiek; and many special cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Minnie Boyer; grandson, Jake Magrum; siblings, Helen (Art) Jorgenson, Dorothy (Sig) Walberg, Bill (Cora) Boyer, Margaret Boyer, Kenneth (Sally) Boyer, Orlie (Ben) Erickson, Marjorie (Lester) Bolstad, Quentin (Emith) Boyer, Eleanor (Reuben) Iverson, Delores (Donald) Kummer, Delton (Ardella) Boyer, Gordon (Louise) Boyer; sister-in-law, Odelia (Darrel) Boyer; brother and sister-in-law LeMar and Judy Larson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial funds may be given to Walcott Veterans Memorial Fund or a charity of your choice.

Thank you to the Ethos team for their dedicated care and support.