George, D. Lawler, 68, of Linton, ND, died December 28, 2022 in Sanford Health, Bismarck.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am. Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Linton with Fr. Shannon Lucht officiating.  Burial will take place in the spring/summer of 2023.  There will be a visitation from 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, with a prayer vigil at 7pm.

George Dewey Lawler was born on August 1, 1954 to Russell S. and Laetitia "Tish" (Baumann) Lawler in Linton, ND. He grew up in Linton and attended St. Anthony School through eighth grade. He then attended Linton Public School for three years of high school, but, after protesting the school's dress code, he and several other "deviants" transferred in their senior year to Emmons Central High School in Strasburg, ND where he graduated in 1972.

After high school, George attended North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton where he completed their welding program. During this time, he was also enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard and served for six years. His welding career offered him a variety of employment opportunities, most notably with Chicago Bridge & Iron, which took him to many states and abroad to South Africa.

In 1982, during construction of the Kingsley Hydroplant in Ogallala, NE, George's left hand was crushed in an accident. After several surgeries and many months of rehabilitation, he returned to Linton, ND because his injury necessitated a career change. Following his move home, he began farming land west of Linton with his brother Syd before purchasing the land in 1985. He would go on to farm and ranch individually and he continued farming until his death.

While George was working as a welder, he had begun dating Gloria Wolf. The two were married on February 17, 1988 and, from this union, five children were born. George loved children and both he and Gloria wanted a large family. This ensured George always had a sidekick for "outside activities," which was his euphemism for work on the farm. Raising his family on the farm, he instilled a love of the land; an appreciation of hard, honest work; and a gratitude for strong community bonds. George was a devoted father and was also a loving, caring, concerned, patient, and loyal husband to Gloria.

When George became a grandpa, he got to relive all of his antics with a new crew. Grandpa George loved giving hugs and "spankings," having the grandkids "help" on the farm, and sharing snacks and sweets together. He was a loving, attentive, and affectionate grandfather.

George lived life raucously and loudly. He brought humorous chaos to every gathering. When he couldn't socialize in person, he socialized over the phone. He also enjoyed golfing, hunting, camping, playing cards (especially pinochle), having a shake of dice with buddies, and pulling good-natured pranks on family and friends. As a community member, George was involved with the Knights of Columbus, the Linton Lions Club, the Linton Country Club, North Dakota Farm Bureau, the Emmons County Weed Board, and Farm Marketing Meetings. He was an originating partner and shareholder in Temvik Land Partnership and Temvik Cellular. He was also a life-long member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. His absence will be felt—and heard—by all who knew him.

George will be deeply missed by his wife of nearly 35 years, Gloria, of Linton, ND and his children: Adam (Kelly) Lawler of Horace, ND; Reneé (Preston) Leier of Linton, ND; Mark (Alicia) Lawler of Linton, ND; Sarah Lawler of Bloomington, IN; and Andrea Lawler of Bismarck, ND. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and one on the way: Shawn Lawler; Ashtyn, Pyper, Mason, and Griffin Leier; Ian, Elliana, and forthcoming Baby Lawler (May 2023). George was born sixth of seven children and is survived by his siblings Jeanne (Jerry) Schnaible of Bismarck, ND; Michael "Nick" Lawler and Sandi Lawler of Linton, ND; Francis "Pork" (Marilyn) Lawler of Linton, ND; Sarah Summer of Occoquan, VA; Timothy "Jake" (Jacqueline) Lawler of Fargo, ND; Sydney (Arla) Lawler of Linton, ND. He will also be missed by thirteen nieces and nephews as well as his sister-in-law Melissa (Dan) Tveito of Linton, ND. George was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and in-laws.

"I have competed well; I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance." ~ 2 Timothy 4:7-8