Elmore P. Omdahl

Reliance, SD

1939, 2750, Fruitdale, DBR-2, Tool Man

December 5, 1916 - June 12, 2019

Elmore P. Omdahl, 102, Rapid City, died Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at Black Hills Care and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on the farm in Union County, SD to Albert and Tekla (Peterson) Omdahl on December 5, 1916 where they lived until 1924 when they moved to Lyman County. In 1932 the family moved into Oacoma where Elmore attended school, graduating from Oacoma High School in 1939, which was the last graduating class.

Elmore went to work for the Civilian Conservation Corp, stationed at Orman Dam where he helped build the dam. In 1941 his father bought a ranch in SW Custer County and Elmore worked with his dad until 1950. He then went into the construction business, working as a carpenter. In the mid '70's he built his own home and built several homes until his retirement at age 90.

Elmore is survived by his brother Jim Omdahl, Rapid City and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and three sisters.

Below: remembering Elmore Omdahl

Today, December 5, 2018, was the birthday of a CCC man. That in itself makes it a pretty special day. We still enjoy many benefits of the work that those young men did, and this young man has reached the age of 102 years.

The question was asked: "Is Elmore Omdahl the oldest living CCC Boy?" We would love to find out. Help us if you can.

Elmore Omdahl was in the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939. Elmore was a tool man in company 2750 at Orman Dam DBR-2, (Fruitdale) NE of Belle Fourche, SD. He is from a family of nine brothers and sisters. The family moved from Reliance South Dakota to Ocoma where Elmore graduated from high school.

Harold Omdahl, Elmore's brother, was also a member in the CCC, Company 1791 at Camp Custer, F-12 in 1933.

Elmore Omdahl received recognition on his 100th birthday when he received a CCC Legacy pin. Today CCC Board member Kerry Conner gave Elmore a shirt with a CCC patch attached. Friends and family members gathered to celebrate the day and have some birthday cake with Mr. Omdahl.

For Elmore Omdahl's 100th birthday in 2016 volunteers Kerry Conner and Otto Bochman from the CCC Museum of South Dakota delivered a CCC Boy pin from CCC Legacy to Elmore Omdahl on November 7, 2016. Elmore's brother James and wife Mary were also present.

In 2007, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Legacy was established through a merger between the Camp Roosevelt CCC Legacy Foundation and the National Association of CCC Alumni (NACCCA). The purpose of CCC Legacy is to continue the promotion of the CCC in America and pass the legacy of the CCC to following generations.

Do you have additional information about Elmore Omdahl

We would like to included it. Please write or email us at History "at" SouthDakotaCCC "dot" org.