Harold L. Erler, 87, of West Concord, died Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born February 14, 1922 in Ellington Twsp, Dodge Co., the son of Julius and Emma (Halvorson) Erler. Harold was baptized and confirmed at Moland Lutheran Church. He attended country school in Ellington Township. Harold proudly served his country during WWII from September 16, 1942 to December 20, 1945. Harold earned the rank of Staff Sergeant and in his service he traveled to Australia, Japan, New Guinea, and the Philippines. Harold earned several medals throughout his enlistment in the Army, a few which include Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and five overseas service bars. Following his military service he worked on the Jim Danielson farm followed by carpentry work for Shei Builders of Kenyon and George Flicek Construction of West Concord. It was after these work experiences that Harold returned to the family farm in Ellington Township and began his career as a farmer. On August 16, 1953 he married LaMae Marion Markuson at Hauge Lutheran Church in Kenyon. From that time on the couple farmed together until moving to West Concord in 1987. Harold was proud to be a farmer and a faithful steward of the land. Harold''s passion for farming continued long after moving off of the farm. Harold was a member of the Moland Lutheran Church, West Concord Legion, and the Kenyon VFW. He served on the Moland Church Board, Ellington Township Board and Concord Co-op Board. Harold enjoyed spending time with his family and was very proud of each one of them. He also enjoyed woodworking and visiting with friends and family. He is survived by his wife of fifty five years LaMae Erler, daughter, Donna (and Larry) Fitzgerald, son, Grant (and Barb) Erler, daughter Bonnie (and Pat) Redican, all of West Concord; eight grandchildren Vanessa Erler, Amber Fitzgerald, Bradley Fitzgerald, Grant T. Erler, Allison Erler, Haley Redican, Kayce Redican, and Travis Redican. A brother, Warren Erler of Lacrosse, WI and a sister, Viola Jacobson of Kenyon; also survives Harold; He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Ervin and Orville, and three sisters Doris Erler, Luella Jacobson, and Inez Kyllo. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home Kenyon on Friday May 8,2009 from 4- 8 PM and at Moland Lutheran Church on Saturday one hour prior to the service. Funeral service will be held Saturday May 9, 2009 at 2:00 PM at Moland Lutheran Church with The Reverend Nancy Edwardson officiating. Interment will be in the Concord Cemetery in Concord Township with military honors provided by the Kenyon Veterans Color Guard. Memorials are preferred to Moland Lutheran Church or the Dodge County Relay for Life. Visitation: 05/08/2009 16:00 05/08/2009 20:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church. 05/09/2009 14:00