Irene Lawrence

Irene Ethel Eckerdt Lawrence, 96, passed away July 29, 2011 at Maple Manor Care Center of Langdon, ND where she had resided for the last three years.

Irene Eckerdt was born on the family farm north of Rock Lake, ND on Christmas Day in 1914 to Minnie Bucholz and John Robert Eckerdt. She had one brother, John Robert Eckerdt.

Irene graduated from Hansboro in 1934. She then helped on the farm for two years before marrying George Emmett Lawrence on December 30th, 1936 in Cando. Their first year of married life was spent at Devils Lake before moving to Bottineau for seven years. Both of their children were born there, Gayle in 1939 and John in 1943. In 1944 they moved to Langdon and started the Ace Hardware Plumbing and Heating store which they ran until closing it in 1965. They then moved to Chinle, AZ where George had taken a job and then returned to Langdon in 1972. In 1984 they moved to Fargo and wintered in Mesa, AZ. After George’s death in 1991, Irene returned to Langdon.

Irene loved to cook, sew, crochet and read. She also enjoyed the outdoors where she tended her flower gardens and cared for the birds. She was a lifelong active member of the United Methodist Church in Langdon where she served on many committees and ladies groups. She prided herself with the numerous crafts and talents she provided for their bazaar. Her divinity was renown. She loved fine things, tea parties, card clubs and the color pink. Her motto was “What Is, Is”!!!

Irene is survived by her daughter Gayle Hart of Wales, ND and son John (Joann) Lawrence of Fargo. She has one living nephew, Robert (Fern) Eckerdt of Rolette. She has five grand children: Kathi Hart Theade (Cobey) of Red Lodge, MT, Lori Hart of Farmington, MN, David Hart (Jane) of Langdon, Jack Lawrence (Carrie) of West Fargo, and Jana Lawrence Olson(Matt) of Valley City. She has ten great-grandchildren: Taylor, McKenzie and Madison Hart of Langdon, Clancy and Carter Theade of Red Lodge, Jayci and Carsten Lawrence of West Fargo, and Ella, Emmett and Emery Olson of Valley City.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband George, parents, brother John, sister-in-law Doris Eckerdt , nephew Jack Eckerdt and son-in-law Lyle Hart.

The funeral service will be at 1:00 on Monday, August 1, 2011 at the United Methodist Church of Langdon with Rev. Tim Vorlage officiating. Visitation will take place one hour before the time of service on Monday.

Interment will be at IOOF Cemetery of Rock Lake.