Edward C. Lauinger

PLEASE note, The Journal is INCORRECT in service times for Edward.  Services are as posted on this website.

Edward C. Lauinger, 88 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Thursday evening, August 31, 2018 at Eventide Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake, ND.

Edward Conrad Lauinger was born on January 26, 1930 on the family farm at Esmond, North Dakota, the son of Ben and Margaret (Leibohn) Lauinger. He was raised on the farm and attended Esmond Public School, graduating from Esmond High School with the class of 1948.  From a young age, he helped on the farm, had his daily chores and for his entire life, took great pride in his farm boy roots.  Always knowing the importance of hard work and providing for his family.

Edward worked for a time on the Garrison Dam Project and also worked in Pontiac, Michigan. Edward proudly served his country during the Korean War.  He served with the United States Marine Corp, beginning in February of 1952.  He was stationed with the 1^st Marine Air Wing in Japan and Korea, in charge of the fuel depot.  He was honorably discharged from active duty on February 20, 1954 with the rank of Corporal. 

After his discharge, he returned to Esmond and would marry his sweetheart, his beloved Naomi Alexander on December 29, 1954 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. They established their home in Devils Lake and would undertake many new adventures as a married couple and parents to their two sons. Naomi died on March 15, 1986.

Ed was owner and operator of a new Phillips 66 Gas Stations for several years, started a small trailer court in the city, operated the Westinghouse Laundromat and had the first self-service car wash in Devils Lake. And while doing all of this, he always had a grain bin erecting crew on the job.  He was known as the “Grain Bin King of the North” and officially retired from that business at the age of 83. 

Ed has so many talents and so many honorable and memorable traits. He was a kind hearted, generous man.  As a gardener he always shared his produce with family and friends, he was so generous both monetarily and in giving of his time.  As a member of the Esmond Alumni Association he never missed a reunion and again generous with donations of time, talent and much needed operating funds.  He was always encouraging, lending a helping hand to anyone who needed it.  He was proud of his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and was such a good friend and neighbor to many.  He was a true patriot and proud to serve his country. 

Edward was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and also enjoyed membership in the Elks Lodge and VFW Club.

Ed married Mary Smith in November of 1989. 

Edward is survived by his loving family. His sons Edward Lauinger of Fargo and Bruce Lauinger of Devils Lake; grandchildren Aaron (Erin) Lauinger, Minneapolis, Shane (Rachel) Lauinger, Hopkins, MN; Bethany Lauinger and Jade Lauinger both of Devils Lake; great grandchildren Ellie, Anna, Alex and Wyatt; sister Lorraine Brewer, White Lake, Michigan; sisters-in-law Teresa Lauinger, Esmond, ND, Florence Lauinger, Hancock, MN, Donna Streifel and Ruth Alexander both of Devils Lake; many nieces, nephews and their families and Mary Lauinger and her children Terry Smith and Marla Myklebust and their families who lovingly called him grandpa and great grandpa. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Naomi; brothers John, Leo and Benno Lauinger; sisters Mary Axtman, Catherine Streifel and Ann Streifel and other beloved family members.

Casket Bearers will be: Edward Lauinger, Bruce Lauinger, Aaron Lauinger, Shane Lauinger, Tom Streifel, Randy Streifel, Jerome Ziegler, Chris Lauinger and Ryan Myklebust.

Reading the Scriptures will be his niece Diane Peyerl; Gift Bearers will be his granddaughter Bethany Lauinger, nieces Val Wilhelmi and Tina Sainsberry and step great granddaughter Taylor Kenner; Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist will be his niece Jane Streifel; Music will be provided by his niece Rosalie Axtman and organist Audrey Myklebust; Special Video Tribute by his great niece Sarah Burchill;

Mass of Christian Burial for Edward will be held on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass.