To view a livestream of the service, access https://www.gracelbc.org/livestream
Lawrence Mettler, 102, Bismarck, formerly of Minot, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 22, 2024, in Bismarck hospital.
Lawrence was born on July 24th, 1922 in Upham, North Dakota to William and Rosie Mettler. He was the last of the remaining 5 children. He attended country school near Upham. He never finished school as he had to help his dad on the family farm to provide for his family.
He joined the U.S. Army on October 14, 1942 and honorably served in the Pacific Theatre of WWII. He was stationed in Australia and the Philippines before being honorably discharged on December 20, 1945.
When he returned from WWII, he married Gertrude Ann Decker, his beautiful angel, on May 30th, 1947 in Towner, ND. They lived on their farm southwest of Upham and had two children, Paulette and Ken. They retired in 1989 after 46 years of farming and moved to Minot in 1992. There they were very active with their church (Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Brethren), along with many numerous community activities, including one of their favorites, helping out at sporting events. They impacted many lives and made many friends along the way. They moved to Bismarck in 2016 to be closer to family but remained very active. The two were inseparable and “Gertie” always made sure Lawrence was dressed accordingly for whatever the occasion was.
Lawrence passed on his dedication to his country and his son, and two grandsons served in the military as well.
Lawrence was proud of being a farmer. He shared many stories about farming with his family and friends. He was a very ingenuitive thinker, as he repaired and fabricated many of the things he needed on the farm. His equipment was always in tip-top shape and well taken care of, no matter how old it was.
His family and his faith in God were always a huge part of his life. Sundays were God’s Day and there was no work done on that day. There were always scripture passages and prayers read before every meal, and there was always a bible nearby. The gift he had for saying prayers will never be forgotten.
Lawrence was survived by his two children. Paulette (Russ) Moelker of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Ken (Sue) Mettler of Center, North Dakota. 3 grandsons. 9 great grandchildren, and 1 great, great, granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 75 years, Gertie; brothers, Bernard and Arvel and his 2 sisters, Adeline and Delores.
Lawrence is now walking with the Lord, hand in hand with his “Beautiful Angel”.
Celebration of Life Service: Monday, December 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in Grace Lutheran Brethren Church, Bismarck. To view a livestream of the service, access https://www.gracelbc.org/livestream
Interment: 2:00 p.m. Monday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, rural Mandan
Visitation: One hour prior to the service in the church
Memorials are preferred to Quilts of Valor.
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