Francis J. "Frank" Lemer, 79, Balfour, North Dakota passed away Saturday, July 2, 2022 at the Trinity Medical Center, Minot, North Dakota, peacefully with his immediate and extended family.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am, Thursday, July 7, 2022 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Drake, North Dakota.  Fr. Thomas Graner will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 6, 2022 followed by a Knights of Columbus Rosary and parish vigil service, all at the church.   Arrangements with Nelson Funeral Home, Drake, North Dakota.

Francis (Frank) John Lemer was born July 25, 1942, in Drake, North Dakota, to John L and Loretta (Bruner) Lemer.

Frank grew up and worked on the family farm near Balfour, the eldest child of 8. He attended a one-room schoolhouse until the second grade and graduated from Balfour Public High School in 1960.

Frank enlisted in the United States Navy on October 7, 1960; went to A school in Groton, Connecticut, and became an engineman. Toiling in the engine rooms of the diesel-powered submarines, he received his Subsurface Warfare May 16, 1962., then ended his active duty service with the USS Rock (SS/SSR/AGSS-274). Frank entered the U. S. Naval Reserve in Fargo, retiring as Engineman Chief Petty Officer (E-7) on October 4, 1992.

Frank married Merna Seehafer In August 1967.  While attending Bismarck Junior College, he drove for Allied Van Lines, later graduating from the University of North Dakota on February 1, 1970, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Frank began his career immediately after college as an accountant with a CPA firm in South Dakota. After 11 years, he moved his family to a farm near Balfour. He opened his Tax Accounting firm in Velva in January 1982, later relocating to Drake.

Frank had many clients; farmers, ranchers, and business owners, whom he supported with other professional services. He was well known throughout our rural communities and was sought for intelligence, reliability, loyalty, hard work, and honest straightforwardness. He wanted the best for everyone and showed it with his guidance.

Frank was very structured in everything he touched; personally, professionally, hobbies, and social events. Which led him into many leadership roles and held prominent board positions: Saint Margaret- Mary Catholic Church of Drake( Parish Council & Eucharistic Minister), Knights of Columbus Council #5856 & Columbian Club(4 ^th Degree), Drake American Legion Post #32, Anamoose VFW Post #6381, Drake Rural Fire District Board Member, Drake Threshing Association, Elks of Watertown, SD #838  - (PER).

Frank and Merna spent 55 years of marriage together and were blessed with four wonderful children. Frank was very proud of all their achievements, success, courage, skill and was always available with his guidance and advice as a role model.

Frank enjoyed his time with grandchildren, family, nieces and nephews. His schedule, besides the office, was consumed with visiting after mass, anniversaries, and weddings which Frank and Merna were known for being graceful on the dance floor. Frank was also proud of his farm and farm practices progressing over the years. His hobbies were seeking out auctions, and commit to every Pinochle challenge in the area.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Merna (Seehafer); sons: Bryan (Valerie) Lemer, Orland Park, IL; Brant (Annie) Lemer, Ames, IA; Brady (Stephanie) Lemer, Balfour, ND; daughter; Breanna Lemer, Coleharbor, ND; brothers; Loren (Rosella) Lemer, Blaine (Joyce) Lemer; sisters: Susan Traiser, Charlotte (Bill) Barrington; Barbara Lemer, Sandee(Jeff) Michalenko, brother-in-law, Ted Smith, and grandchildren: Leah; Ellie, Brock, Brody, Elizabeth, and Ezzabella; Louis, Julia, Ava, and baby Lemer.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Julie Smith; brothers-in-law, David Traiser, Wayne Seehafer, and Alvin Miller; sisters-in-law, Wanda Reed and Vicki Miller.