Orland D. Niemeier

Orland Niemeier, third-generation farmer who brought soil conservation practices to the forefront, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2024, at Bethany Retirement Living in Fargo. A lifelong resident of rural Buxton, ND, he was 93.

Orland was born October 21, 1930 to George and Marie (Rendedahl) Niemeier in the farmhouse built by his grandparents and homesteaders, Henry and Clara Niemeier. Following early years at rural Morgan Township schools, he graduated from Mayville High School in 1948. After a stint on a radar tower construction crew in Alaska, Orland spent several years farming with his father. He attended college part-time at North Dakota Agricultural College (now NDSU) in Fargo, before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1952. After completing basic training at Fort Bliss, TX, he was assigned to Korea, serving as a radar specialist.

Following his return from Korea in the fall of 1954, Orland enrolled full-time at NDSU. While in line at the dining hall, he introduced himself to a beautiful young student working behind the counter who, flustered, dropped a platter of silverware. This was Carol Hanson, who would go on to graduate in 1956. They married on February 2, 1957, and Orland graduated with a B.S. in Agriculture in May of that year. The young couple moved to Minnewauken, ND, where Orland worked as an Assistant County Extension Agent. In 1959, after the arrival of sons Gary and Rod, Orland and Carol moved home to rural Buxton to take over the Niemeier family farm, where Jim, Edie, and Julie were born. They farmed for 39 years.

Orland’s education and vision found fertile ground during the swift modernization of farming in the latter half of the twentieth century. He applied his knowledge of soils, crop science, and engineering to expand the farm, while always honoring the land. He received the Soil Conservation Award from the North Dakota Soil Conservation Association and was named a ‘Friend of the Soil.’ He keenly understood the importance of water management, devoting countless hours to measuring elevations with his prized German-made surveyor’s transit to craft efficient field drainage.

Orland gave generously of his time and talents to the community, serving as a 4-H leader when his children were young, as well as years of service on the boards of the Lake Agassiz Soil Conservation District, Union Hospital, Luther Memorial Home, Nodak Rural Electric, Buxton Elevator, Central Valley Bean Co-op, and other organizations. Orland was a lifelong member of Bethany Lutheran Church in rural Hatton, where he held various roles.

In retirement Orland and Carol traveled extensively, with tours of Greece, Italy, Germany, and Norway. They spent several winters on Florida’s Gulf Coast. A lifelong learner, Orland’s hobbies included woodworking, farm improvements, planting and caring for his trees, reading, and riding his bike. He loved spending time with family and friends at the farm, where he remained vigorous and active until the last two months of his life.

Orland is survived by his five children: Gary (Maren) Niemeier of Fargo, Rodney (Annette) Niemeier of Jamestown, Jim (Carol) Niemeier of De Pere, WI, Edie Niemeier of Lakeville, MN, and Julie Niemeier of Greensboro, NC; 16 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother George, sisters Audrey Olson and Clara Mae Turner, and his wife of 64 years, Carol.

The family is holding a visitation Friday, Oct. 18th, 6-8 PM, at Luther Memorial Home Chapel in Mayville, with funeral services Saturday, Oct. 19th, 10:30 AM at Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Hatton.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Bethany Church Cemetery Fund, 15099 15th St. SE, Hatton, ND 58240.