Emil Neuharth, 91, of Turtle Lake, passed away peacefully on October 20th, 2013 while residing at Turtle Lake Community Memorial Hospital.

Funeral Services will be held 10:30 A.M. Thursday, October 24th at Trinity Lutheran Church in Turtle Lake with Pastor Sondra Krogstad officiating. Burial will follow in the Turtle Lake Cemetery with military rites provided by the American Legion Post 133 of Turtle Lake.

Visitation will be held Thursday, 9:00 A.M. until time of service at the church.

Emil was born February 25, 1922, one of 13 children to Albert and Marie (Bender) Neuharth of McClusky, ND. He was raised in the area and graduated from McClusky High School in 1940. Emil served in US Army's 188th Field Artillery Regiment from April 1941 to September of 1945. He served time in France and Germany, participating in the Normandy invasion and the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Bronze Service Star. Upon returning from the service, he was employed at the First National Bank in McClusky. In 1953, he entered into a partnership at the Lake Farm Store, and subsequently moved to Turtle Lake. He continued as part owner and manager until 1985, when the partners agreed to liquidate the company.

Emil married Mildred (Wille) Tjenstrom in 1961 and raised two sons. Emil and Mildred were active community members until 2008, when they moved to Minnesota to be closer to their son Brian and his family. Emil was involved in a number of civic activities in Turtle Lake including the City Commission, served as Chief of the Fire Department, President and member of theTrinity Lutheran Church Council, a Boy Scout Committeeman, a member of the Commercial Club, as well as the Hospital and Park Boards. He was an active member of the local Wild Life Club, an honorary FFA Chapter Farmer, and served as a member of the McLean County Social Service Board for fifteen years. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion for 69 years.

After retirement, Emil cherished his free time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and shooting trap as often as he was able, as well as spending time with his friends and family. He thoroughly enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren.

Emil is survived by one son Brian and daughter-in-law Mary of Victoria, MN; five grandchildren & spouses, Mrs. Eric (Stacy) Brandenburg of Duluth, MN, Mrs. Joseph (Tanja) Sclafani of Cary, NC, Mrs. Robert (Danielle) Westphal of Fargo, Eric Tjenstrom and Allison Tjenstrom of Victoria, MN; six great grandchildren; brothers, Robert (Irene) and Herbert, both of McClusky, Alvin (Eunice) of Bismarck; his sisters, Edna Neuharth of McClusky, Matilda Holcomb of Great Falls, MT, Marian (Bob) Branson of Las Animas, CO, and Evelyn (Carl) Peter of Valley City; and several nieces and nephews.

Emil was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mildred, his son William Tjenstrom, his brothers Edwin and Elmer (Shirley), and his sisters Helen, Gladys and Clara.