A Dillon man who went hunting near Bannack in 1950 and never returned will become the last World War One veteran in the state to receive a military burial this weekend.

The skeleton of Elmer Mikus was found on a remote mining claim about two miles south of Bannack last fall. An investigation identified the remains as belonging to Mikus, ending a mystery that lasted more than half a century.

“His family spent years and years looking for him, and they finally found him last fall,” said Denny Lenoir, coordinator of the Montana Army National Guard’s honor guard. “We’ll be giving him full military honors at his burial.”

Lenoir said the Guard’s color detail will also provide services at the Montana Veterans Cemetery next week. The service will include the reading of Montanans who have died serving in the Iraq War.

Montana’s color guard includes 60 members, including 20 in Helena and 20 in Billings — the state’s two largest teams. A third team is coming on line in Missoula.

“Lately, we’ve been doing about 25 funerals a month,” said Lenoir. “We’re seeing more and more veterans from Korea and Vietnam. Iraq has been keeping us busy as well.”

To date, 18 soldiers, sailors and Marines from Montana have died in the Iraq war. Four of them called Helena home.

Helena’s two latest casualties, Sgt. Scott Dykman, who died on Dec. 20, and Staff Sgt. Shane Becker, who was killed on April 3, will be remembered at a ceremony in Memorial Park next week.

“We’re going to present to the two families that have lost soldiers since last November,” said Ray Reed. “We already added their names to the wall and we’ll recognize them at the ceremony.”

Mikus, who was born in 1888, was 29 years old when he enlisted in the Army out of Dillon. He survived the battle of Argonne, emerging as the only survivor of his platoon, according to Lenoir.

The owner of the mining claim found Mikus’ skull. His remains were clad in weathered overalls, a leather jacket and rubber overshoes. A .30-.30 rifle lay across his feet. He carried 21 rounds of ammunition and a pocket watch.

Mikus’ burial is scheduled for May 28 at 2 p.m. at the Mountain View Cemetery in Dillon. The event, military experts say, may be the last WWI veteran to receive a military burial for service conducted at the dawn of the 20th century.

“It’s a very rewarding job helping these families and giving these veterans the honor they deserve,” said Lenoir. “Any veteran laid to rest in the state of Montana — it’s our responsibility to provide those services.”

Memorial Day events

May 28

Military burial of Elmer Mikus at 2 p.m. at the Mountain View Cemetery in Dillon

May 30

VFW Parade in East Helena at 11 a.m.

Military ceremony at the Montana Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison at 1 p.m.

Military ceremony at Memorial Park in Helena at 3 p.m.

BBQ at the American Legion at 5 p.m.

Reporter Martin Kidston can be reached at 447-4086, or at mkidston@helenair.com.