YOUR AD HERE »

Jack Lance Sjol: 1954-2013

Jack Sjol, 58, a long-time Williston, ND, resident who had been missing since April 24, was found dead in rural Williams County on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, a victim of foul play.

His memorial service was held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 20, at First Lutheran Church in Williston. The Rev. Benjamin Loven will officiate. Interment of his cremated remains in Makoti Cemetery took place at 3 p.m. Monday afternoon.

In lieu of plants or flowers, Jack’s family prefers that all memorials be given to a victim’s advocate charity or any other charity of choice.

Jack Lance Sjol was born Dec. 19, 1954, in Minot, ND, the son of Juel and Lillian (Kraft) Sjol. Jack was educated in the Plaza/Makoti area. He attended high school at North Shore where he was most well known for his excellence on the basketball court. Jack graduated with honors in 1973. Jack attended college at Minot State University and graduated with an associate degree in diesel mechanics from Williston State College in 1977. Jack was once married to Kathy Dube and had two children, Justin and Kara, while living in Williston. Jack was employed with the city of Williston for 25 years until his retirement in 2011.

At that time, Jack entered into a partnership with his brother Scott, in Epworth Resources, LLC and JMS Rentals, LLC. Jack owned and operated Little Muddy Ranch and Little Muddy Valley Subdivision. He was a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA), American Quarter Horse Association, MonDak Quarter Horse Association, Blue Sage Riders Club and Dakota Trails Saddle Club.

He also served on many local and state water and sewer committees.

Jack was an accomplished horseman. He loved riding horses on his ranch and participated in brandings, roundups and trail drives with his friends and area ranchers. He was a great caretaker of his animals and made sure he was close to home to care for them. He was a good teacher, letting others make mistakes in order to learn, and stepping in when frustration hit its peak.

Jack was an active NRA member and had very strong opinions about politics, which he shared with others. He was an avid North Dakota history buff and learned as much as he could about the region. Jack was a hard worker, rarely taking a day off and a “jack” of all trades. He had the ability of being a quiet, soft spoken man who enjoyed engaging in lengthy conversations with friends or strangers. Some of Jack’s passions included saddling up a horse, operating his motor grader or digging with his backhoe.

He was a loyal friend, dependable and honest. Jack had very strong ties to his heritage. He named his business, Epworth, after a town near his grandpa’s homestead. He enjoyed spending time with family and loved having them at his ranch. Jack’s infectious laugh and sense of humor will not be forgotten.

Jack is survived by his stepfather, Orvin Aamot, Minot; his son, Justin (Christy) Sjol, West Concord, MN; daughter, Kara (Ray) Sjol-Northway, Hayfield, MN; grandchildren, Tessa Sjol, Alyssa, Steven, Amanda and Dalton Northway; twin brother, Jason (Virginia) Sjol, Bismarck; brother, Scott (Diane), Minot; nephews, Brandon Sjol and Jayden Sjol; nieces, Aubrey Millar, Breeann Sjol and Kendra Sjol; step-nephews, Ryan (Christina) Harris, Ft. Worth, TX and Michael (Adriana) Harris, Minot; step-nieces, Megan and Katie Nice, Grand Forks; and several great-nieces, -nephews and many cousins.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Juel Sjol and Lillian Aamot.

Friends are welcome to visit http://www.eversonfh.com to share memories of Jack or leave condolences for his family.