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Lawrence F. Paetz, 90, of Hazen, formerly of Parshall, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2009, at the Knife River Care Center, Beulah.

Lawrence was born on November 27, 1918, on the family farm near Parshall to Theodore and Martha (Rudnick) Paetz. He was raised and educated in Banner Township. He worked for area farmers until he was called into active duty in 1942. He served in the Quarter Master Trucking Co. attached to the Army Air Forces in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and served in Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines. He was discharged in 1945 and returned to farm in the Parshall area.

Lawrence married Barbara Mitzel on June 15, 1948, at Knox, ND. Together they farmed and raised five children on the family farm near Parshall. Lawrence was a member of St. Bridget's Catholic Church and served as a council member and trustee. He also was a board member of Banner Township. Lawrence and Barbara moved to Hazen in 1993, but continued to go back and help farm for several years. They were members of St. Martin Catholic Church, Hazen. Barbara passed away on March 3, 1999.

Lawrence enjoyed visiting with family and friends. He also enjoyed woodworking and could always be found in his garage building or tinkering with a project and was always happy to show you what he had made. He also liked growing flowers and had several geraniums and Christmas cactus which he kept in his heated garage during the winter.

Lawrence is survived by: four sons, David and Sophie Paetz of Fort Ransom, Michael and Carla Paetz of Hazen, Glenn and Dorinda Paetz of Parshall, Ron and Laura Paetz of Stanley; 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother; and four sisters; two sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 50 years, Barbara; one daughter, Karen Hopkins; infant son, Robert; infant grandson, Jonathon; two brothers; and four sisters.

Services: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, at 10 a.m. MDT (11 a.m. CDT) at St. Martin Catholic Church, Hazen, with Fr. Johnson Kuriappilly officiating.

Burial: will follow at St. Bridget's Catholic Cemetery, Parshall.

Visitation: Monday from 5 to 7 p.m., MDT (6 to 8 p.m. CDT) at Seibel Funeral Home, Hazen.