Lawrence Crane, age 82, of Mahnomen, MN, died Saturday, July 11, 2015, at home.

Lawrence Eugene Crane, the son of Austin and Lillie (Askelson) Crane, was born on June 26, 1933, in Twin Valley, MN. Lawrence attended country school through the 8th grade. In 1953, Lawrence went into the Army serving for two years just after the Korean War. He did his basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He then served in Fort Louis, WA, where he was a mechanic in the motor pool. In 1956, Lawrence was united in marriage to Elizabeth 'Betty" Lundon. The couple made their home on the Iron Range before moving back to Mahnomen. In 1971, Lawrence and Betty bought a farm West of Mahnomen. They raised cattle, pigs, chickens, small grains and also milked cows for many years. Lawrence worked several jobs in the area including driving truck for Fred Dittmer and Leo Winter. He also worked for Bert Ness in road construction for a time as well as at Solar Gas. On June 4, 1959, he began working at Wild Rice Electric in Mahnomen. He worked there for 35 years, retiring on June 4, 1994.

Lawrence loved ice fishing and hunting. He was especially proud of his two large fish that he speared and then had mounted. Few people ever visited him without seeing and hearing the story behind those fish! He also enjoyed spending time with Betty at the "Shack" they had built in the woods. They spent many hours riding 4-wheelers on the trails they had cleared. Lawrence enjoyed spending time with family and was very proud of his girls, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Lawrence is survived by his four daughters: Kathy (Jerry) Thorpe of Mahnomen, MN, Connie (Don) Thomforde of Twin Valley, MN, Karen (Wayne) Ahmann, and Lorraine Moore both of Mahnomen, MN; nine grandchildren: Ken (Heather) Crane of Mahnomen, Josh Thorpe of Naytahwaush, MN, Katie Ahmann of Argusville, ND, Tiffany (Justin) Brantner of Felton, MN, Kevin Ahmann of Mahnomen, Nicole Ahmann of Mahnomen, Cody Moore of Fargo, ND, Lydia Moore of Mahnomen, and Terry Starkey of Moorhead, MN; two great grandchildren, Tristan Bjerke of Clearbrook, MN and Layla Moore of Mahnomen. He is also survived by two brothers, Alvin (Becky) Crane of Twin Valley and Tilford (Ann) Crane of Gonvick, MN. He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Betty; his parents, Austin and Lillie; one brother, Andy; three sisters: Lavina, Josie and Audrey, as well as many brothers and sisters-in-law.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Friday, July 17, 2015, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2015 from 5-7pm with Prayer Service at 6:30pm at St. Michael's Church. Interment will be at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery, Mahnomen.
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