Lawrence Elmer Lee, 72, Minot, formerly of the Palermo area, died Friday, June 3, 2011, near Burlington.

Lawrence was born June 21, 1938, at Palermo, North Dakota the son of George and Freda (Neuman) Lee. He was raised and educated at Palermo.

Lawrence entered into active duty service with the U.S. Army in 1961 and honorably served his country in Germany until 1963, when he returned to North Dakota. He was united in marriage to Betty McGowan on August 14, 1966 at Minot.

They made their home in Minot throughout the years, where Lawrence owned and operated Lee's NW Standard for several years. He also worked in the construction industry, at Oak Park Liquors and most recently at Home of Economy until retiring in 2001. Betty died May 25, 2001.

Lawrence was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Minot and the Minot American Legion Post #26. In his retirement years, he enjoyed having coffee with friends, spending time with his grandchildren and playing cards.

Lawrence is survived by: his daughters, Roberta (David) Nyhus, Bismarck, ND, and Rhonda (Ron) Zobrak, Great Falls, MT; grandchildren, Mitchell and Nathan Zobrak and Hannah Nyhus; brothers, Earl (Letha) Lee, Williston, Ronald (Josie) Lee, Minot; sister, Florence Johnson, Plaza; brother-in-law: Dale (Lori) McGowan, Minot; special friends, Gordy and Wendy Martin, Minot and Jody Warnke, Minot, Orville and Kathy Nyhus, Phoenix, AZ.

Lawrence was preceded in death by, his parents, wife, Betty, brothers, Rocky, Hank and Robert Lee and sisters, Frances Engh & Loretta Rasmussen.

Funeral service : Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. in Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Tuesday from 2:00-7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.