LaVern E. Chrest, 84, Minot, formerly of Bowbells, died Sunday, June 14, 2020 at Minot care facility after a 3-year battle with Parkinson's Disease.

LaVern Earl Chrest was born on February 26 ^th , 1936 to Earl and Florence (Hanson) Chrest at their home three and one-half miles west of Coteau, ND.  Another historic event happened that day; it was a record -50 degrees below zero.

LaVern attended Clayton Township grade school and graduated from Coteau High School in 1954. He excelled in athletics and lettered in basketball and football all four years. In 1956 he attended North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton where he focused on diesel mechanics.

On October 27, 1957 LaVern married Norma Iverson in Sawyer, ND. In June of 1958 they purchased the Harvey Olson Farm one mile west of Coteau and began farming and ranching on a very small scale. For six years LaVern worked at the Lostwood Wild Life Refuge in the summers and for Parson's Electric of Coteau in the winter months; they continued farming and ranching until 2008 when they moved to Minot.

In 1976 LaVern was elected to the Burke County Board of Commissioners, he completed his last term after 27 years of service. He never had to face opposition in an election his entire career of service.

He also served on the Burke County social services board for 16 years. LaVern was a born sports fan and loved all sports. He played baseball on the "Border League" for several years, bowled and played golf, when his boys were in sports he rarely missed a game and made all tournaments. His pride and joy was evident when his grandkids made it to "state" in basketball, football and track.

LaVern and Norma loved to travel and took many bus tours throughout the lower 48 states and also flew to Hawaii and Alaska.

LaVern is survived by his wife: Norma, sons: Brad of Bowbells, and Reid of Cavalier. Grandchildren: McKenzie (Paul) Clayburgh, Bismarck, Kennedy Chrest, Grand Forks, Keaton Chrest, Kenmare, Brandon (Maddie) Chrest, Bismarck, Ryan Chrest, Grand Forks. Brandon and Maddie are soon to gift LaVern and Norma their first great grandchild any day and brother, Laurie (Maureen) Chrest, Lignite.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Earl and Florence, brother Earl Jr., and sisters; Elaine Smith, Marlene Gibson, and Earlene Wiseman, and an infant sister, Donna Lou.

Funeral services: Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. in Vincent United Methodist Church, Minot.
Interment: Friday, June 19, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. in Bowbells Community Cemetery.
Visitation: Wednesday, June 17, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Vincent United Methodist Church, Minot or the donor's choice.

LaVern Chrest Flowers