Lawrence E. Bazal

Lawrence E. Bazal, age 82, resident of Lakota, ND, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, September 24, 2016.

Lawrence Edward Bazal was born November 20, 1933 on his parent’s farm in Dodds Township, Nelson County, near Lakota, ND, the son of Charles and Tillie (Trenda) Bazal. He attended Dodds Township School #1 until the eighth grade. He joined the U.S. Army in 1954 and was stationed in Germany until his honorable discharge as Corporal in 1956. Lawrence married Maureen Lund on June 18, 1957 in Brocket, ND. They lived at Hampden, ND until moving to Lakota in 1967. He worked for Standard Oil as a bulk truck driver. In 1976 he purchased the business, and operated it until retiring in the spring of 1997 after 40 years with the company. Lawrence was a lifelong member of the Hampden American Legion Club. Lawrence was musically gifted as a child and throughout his adulthood. He began playing the drums and eventually learned the accordion. In his childhood, he and his brothers would play in his father’s band. As an adult, he played the accordion in the Pecka band, the German band, and the Blue Jackets Orchestra. The highlight of his day was having coffee every morning with his friends at SunLac. He was a devoted grandfather & great grandfather and cherished his time spent with his grandchildren.

He will be deeply missed by his son, Kelly (special friend, Michelle) of Lakota, ND; 2 granddaughters, Brandie (Josh) Ulland of Minot, ND and Allison (Chad) Knudson of Kasson, MN; 8 great grandchildren, Thomas, Shay, Aubry, Henry, Slade, Deker, Brexten, and Lola; a brother, Eugene (Pat) Bazal of Moses Lake, WA; and daughter-in-law, Lori Bazal of Lakota, ND.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents; 3 sons, Jay, and infant twins, Lonnie and Lance; brother, Robert; and his dog, Tootsie.

The Funeral Service for Lawrence will be held at the Lakota Lutheran Church on Friday, September 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Pastor Tedd Rieke. The organist will be Karen Fowler with special music by Laddie & Rose Pecka. Interment will be in the Lakota Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by the Rundell-Holicky American Legion post #21 of Lakota and the ND Military Funeral Honors Team. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Thursday, September 29, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church for one hour prior to the service on Friday.

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