Lawrence "Larry" Richard Estenson

Lawrence “Larry” R. Estenson, 75 a long time farmer and rancher of rural Warwick, ND passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones on Friday, January 28, 2011. He was currently under the care of Mercy Hospice and his family. Funeral Services for Larry will be held on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at River of Life, Assembly of God Church, Devils Lake. Pastor Jeff Kapelle will officiate and burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery at a later date. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Tuesday (today)from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Serving as Casket Bearers for Larry will be his grandsons, Chad Estenson, Cory Estenson, Jerry Estenson, Seth Estenson, Sean Estenson and Erik Estenson. Honorary Bearers will be Larry’s granddaughters, Lori Quam, Meghan Estenson and Molly Estenson. Lawrence Richard Estenson was born March 23, 1935 at Fargo, ND the son of Ben and Freda (Heeter) Estenson. Larry grew to adulthood on the family farm in the Sarles, ND area where he farmed with his Dad for a number of years. Larry was united in marriage to Donna Spratt on May 14, 1954 at Rolla, ND. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to their farm and ranch in rural Warwick, ND where Larry resided at the time of his death. Along with the farming, Larry raised registered Angus cattle, Appaloosa, Paints and Quarter Horses. Larry wanted his sons and grandchildren to enjoy the cattle and horses as much as he did, so he encouraged and supported them as they participated in different events and activities throughout the country. Larry was a member of Warwick Lutheran Church, life member of the Devils Lake Eagles Lodge and in his younger years was a member of the various Horse and Cattle Associations. Larry will be remembered for his devotion as a husband and father, his stewardship of the land and livestock entrusted to his care, his love for family, good times and good friends, his forward thinking attitude, his courage always and especially these last months and his trust in his Lord and Savior. Larry is survived by his sons, Cal (Joan) Estenson, Hal (Judy) Estenson and Craig (Kytte) Estenson all of Warwick, ND; nine grandchildren, Chad (Megan) Estenson, Devils Lake, Cory Estenson (Krista Sundeen), Warwick, Lori (CJ) Quam, Tolna, ND, Jerry (Linda) Estenson, Twin Cities, MN, Seth Estenson, Warwick, Sean Estenson, Fargo, Meghan Estenson, Fargo, ND, Erik Estenson and Molly Estenson of Warwick; five great grandchildren, Jace, Lainie and Tate Estenson of Devils Lake and Ashley and Tyler Quam of Tolna; Larry was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Donna who passed away on January 18, 2011; his parents, Ben and Freda and his sister, Cleo Crockett.