Estol R. Lawler, 92, Hansboro, ND died Sunday, September 27, 2009 at Meritcare Hospital, Fargo, ND.

Estol Roy Lawler was born on February 10, 1917 at Hansboro to Everett Roy and Bertha (Conn) Lawler.  He was raised on the family farm, just a mile from his home.  Estol graduated as valedictorian from the Hansboro High School Class of 1936.  After graduating he farmed with his father.  On November 4, 1939, he was united in marriage to Verona Davies in Cartwright, Manitoba, Canada.  The couple moved to their present farm in 1940, where for 69 years they raised their family and farmed.  Estol retired in 1982 at the age of 65.  The couple spent 26 winters in  Arizona, the last being in 2007.

Education was very important to Estol.  He was a member of the Hansboro school board for several years. As a student, he would take his sister and neighboring kids in a horse drawn sleigh to the Picton school. He would often arrive early to assist the teacher and light the stove to heat the building. 

Estol was very competitive in any event and had many trophies to show for his efforts; when down south, he was the “King” of shuffle board, winning this event in the Senior Olympics.  He was also the best card player around enjoying pinochle, whist, bridge and cribbage.  Estol loved to curl and was the first American curler in Baldur, Manitoba, Canada; placing first in many competitions over the years. Other interests included his love of baseball and softball; he was a member of the Towner County Baseball League and the Border League. On their 60th wedding anniversary, Estol played his last ballgame with his family.

Estol was an avid hunter. He hunted big game of all kinds in many states and Canada.  He enjoyed sharing his hunting experiences and would narrate slide shows at family gatherings.

No matter how busy he was, he built a firm foundation for his family and his first commitment was to his wife of 70 years.

Estol is survived by his wife, Verona, of Hansboro;  Children:  Terry (JoAnn) Lawler, of Rolla, ND, Linda (Darl) Thorton, of Mt. Angel, OR, Gerald Lawler, of Hansboro, Brian (Ruby) Lawler, of St. John, ND, Faye (Dave) Barker, of Covington, WA, Lynn (Bertha) Lawler, of St. John, ND and Diane (Allen) Nelson, of Sauk Center, MN;  19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by a brother: Warren (Joan) Lawler, of Edmonds, WA and three sisters:  Ruth Stevenson, of Springfield, OR, Dorine “Bing” Kakela, of Bottineau, ND and Norene (Harvey) Kakela, of Rolla, ND. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Helen Hayes and a grandson Adam Nelson.

Funeral Service:  Saturday, October 3, 2009, 2:00 PM at the family farm located 2 miles north of Hansboro. Turn left onto the gravel road, which winds to the west and go one mile;  Turn right (north) and the driveway is ¾ mile)

Visitation: Friday, October 2, 2009 at the Dunnigan-Dix Funeral Home, Cando from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. and for one hour prior to the service at the farm.

Interment: Hansboro Cemetery, Hansboro, ND

Online condolences are available at www.dunnigandix.com