Lawrence Nordstrom

Lawrence Nordstrom, 83, of Hamilton, ND passed away Saturday, May 31, 2014, at his home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 3rd from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the church.
Lawrence was born May 2, 1931, on the family farm near Hamilton, ND, to Edward and Rosie (Rau) Nordstrom. He attended the Prattford School District #98, where he was also the school janitor. After graduation from grade school, he worked as a farm hand helping neighbors. In 1952, he purchased a half-section of land and started farming on his own. He loved farming and being his own boss, and eventually retired in 1996.
On August 18, 1956, he married Marian LaDonna "Donna" White at the Hamilton Methodist Church, where they were members throughout their married life. Over the years, Lawrence served as usher and church treasurer.
The first two winters of their married life they would travel to Fargo to work for extra income. After that they rented a small farmstead and Lawrence started trapping and working at local businesses during the winter months. He also worked on his love of cooking during that time as well. His kitchen eventually became known as "Big L's Diner". The featured specialty was chili which was enjoyed by football players, hunters, and anyone who happened to show up at the house.
Lawrence taught his children to love the farm life and appreciate the value of hard work. He lived his life with no regrets and with humor. It seemed his goal was always to make you smile or laugh to make your day a little bit better. His quick witted one-liners will be greatly missed but forever remembered.
Survivors include his wife, Donna; children: Lauri (Randy) Finley, Fargo, ND, Ken Nordstrom, Cavalier, ND, Cindy (Steve) Arnold, Grand Forks, ND, Mike (Kris) Nordstrom and Todd (Amy) Nordstrom, all of Cavalier, Brad (Angie) Nordstrom, Fargo; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents; grandson, Jake Nordstrom; brother, George Nordstrom; sister, Marie Hoglund.
Clergy: Pastor Sandy Marquardt and Rev. John Werth; Music: Renee Cashin, Soloist and Bettie Lou Stegman, Accompanist;
Honorary Pallbearers: Kallie Nordstrom, Abby Nordstrom, Tanner Nordstrom, Mady Nordstrom, Levi Nordstrom Casket Bearers: Chris Arnold, Mathew Finley, Brandon Nordstrom, Ryan Finley, Kyle Nordstrom, Brent Finley, Megan Nordstrom, Jonathan Nordstrom