E. John Durward, 80, Minot, died Sunday, December 26, 2010, in a Garrison nursing home.

John was born in Kincaid, ND, located near Columbus, ND on March 10, 1930, to Edward J. and Rena (Mahnke) Durward. He was raised and educated in Lunds Valley. Following his formal education he assisted on area farmsteads in addition to working on his family's farm.

John was united in marriage to Julia Stock on October 17, 1952, in Palermo, ND. They made their home in Palermo, Tolley, Ray and Stanley, ND throughout the years. He worked as a high school custodian, a maintenance man, carpenter for a number of years and before retirement in 1989, was employed by Mountrail County as a blade operator for 16 years. Following Julia's retirement they moved to Minot in 1991, to help their daughter raise her children. Julia died on July 7, 2007.

John was a past member of the American Lutheran Church in Stanley. He was active in the choir and also a member of the Altar Guild. Life enjoyments included dancing, woodworking, fishing, traveling to the Black Hills of South Dakota and riding bike with his granddaughters.

John struggled with dementia and developed Alzheimer's during the latter stages of his life. Through this trying condition he continued to be a loving father, grandfather and brother to his family. He will be deeply missed by all who shared in his life.

He is survived by his children, Katie M. Lee, Minot and Scot J. Durward, Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren, Brittany and Sianna Lee and Kaden Brunner; sisters, Jean (Ron) McCarty, Minot, ND and Avis Hanson, Jamestown, ND; sister-in-law, Fern Durward, Powers Lake, ND and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Julia; brothers, Duane, Westley and Russell Durward; and brother-in-law, Erling Hanson.

Funeral service: Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
Visitation: Tuesday, December 28, 2010, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
Memorials are preferred.
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