Earl Chrest, Jr., 73, Bowbells and longtime Clayton Township farmer, died Tuesday, May 9, 2017 in a Minot hospital.

Earl was born on February 17, 1944 to Earl Sr. and Florence (Hanson) Chrest in Bowbells, ND. He attended grade school in Coteau, ND and graduated from Bowbells High School in 1962.

Earl was united in marriage to Joan Nehring on June 20, 1965, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Bowbells. This union was blessed with three children, Stacey, Shawna and Marshall. They made their home on the family farm, 13 miles southwest of Bowbells, where they raised small grains and cattle. As a third-generation farmer and rancher, it was second nature to join the family tradition that was the fabric of his life.

Earl was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bowbells and served on the Clayton Township Board. He was known by many as a true steward of the land. Earl never backed away from lending a hand to those in need. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether it was fishing, hunting or spending time in the garden. As the family oriented, loving man he was, he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, making the most of every minute of every single day. He will be missed by all who shared in his blessed life but most by those who called him husband, father and grandfather.

Surviving family includes loving wife of 51 years, Joan, Bowbells; children, Stacey (James) Funk, Bowbells, Shawna (Randy) Froseth, Minot and Marshall (Denise) Chrest, Bowbells, ND; grandchildren, Shad and Shea Froseth and Mason, Brea and Maddox Chrest; brothers, LaVern (Norma) Chrest, Minot and Laurie (Maureen) Chrest, Lignite, ND; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister, Donna Chrest, sisters, Elaine Smith, Marlene Gibson and Earlene Wiseman.

Celebration of Life Service: 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 15, 2017, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bowbells, ND.
Interment: Bowbells Cemetery, Bowbells, ND
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the start of the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers and plants, the family requests memorials to the Bowbells Ambulance Service.