Royal Lyson

A Celebration of Life service for Royal Lyson, Elbow Lake, MN, will be 2:00 p.m. CT, Sunday, September 2, 2018 at United Lutheran Church, Elbow Lake, MN with Pastor Jean Ohman officiating.  Burial will take place at a later date in Washburn, ND.


Visitation will take place from 3:00-5:00 p.m. CT on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at Erickson-Smith Funeral Home, Elbow Lake, MN, followed by a family and friend sharing and prayer time at 5:00 p.m.


Royal passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday August 25, 2018 while visiting his family in Dickinson, ND.


Royal Duane Lyson was born March 10, 1947 in Minot, ND to Oscar and Veda (Nulph) Lyson, the youngest of 13. He grew up in Parshall, ND and graduated from Parshall High School in 1965 where he was a three-sport athlete. Royal attended Dickinson State Teacher’s College where he played football for the Savages. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, his beloved wife, Pamela Nordquist, and the two were married on August 21, 1971 in Washburn, ND. The couple was blessed with three children, Ryan, Natalie and Brady. Royal began his teaching career in Hebron, ND, before moving to Williston, ND. He spent time working in the oilfield which moved his family to Denver, CO and then Midland, TX for several years. Royal returned to his roots in education when he moved back to Williston to teach and pursue his career in school administration. This led him to Center, ND where he served as superintendent of Center Public School until his retirement in 2010.  Royal was a proud member of the North Dakota High School Activities Association; serving as president of the board. During retirement, Royal and Pam lived in Washburn, ND before settling in Elbow Lake, MN, where Royal was an active member of United Lutheran Church, the Elbow Lake Lions Club, and the Tipsinah Mounds Golf Course.


Royal was a man of deep faith who stood confident in who he was in Christ. The strength of his authentic, vulnerable heart invited all to know him well. He was gifted with the unique ability to love deeply and nurture lasting, meaningful relationships. He loved spending time with family; especially his ten grandsons. Royal enjoyed golfing and wood working.  He was an avid sports fan, especially following the Green Bay Packers and St. Louis Cardinals. But one of his greatest joys was watching his grandsons in their activities. His passion for hunting was shared with his children and passed on to his grandsons. Royal was a beloved friend to all who knew him. He was a fantastic storyteller and had a unique toughness and grit that he developed from overcoming many challenges throughout his life.  Royal will always be remembered for his tender heart and his strength of character and integrity that inspired and encouraged many.


Royal is survived by his wife, Pamela; children, Ryan (Tracy) Lyson of West Fargo ND, Natalie (Darin) Hanson of Elbow Lake, MN, and Brady (Steph) Lyson of Dickinson, ND; grandchildren, Jackson, Lucas, and Carter Lyson, Peyton, Samuel, Cooper, and Parker Hanson, and Paxton, Jimmy, and Driggs Lyson; siblings, Herb (Jan) Lyson of Woodbury, MN, Stan Lyson of Williston, ND, Gwendy Akers of Spokane, WA, and Roland (Pat) Lyson of Tempe, AZ; sister-in-law, Harriet Lyson of Midland, TX; and many nieces and nephews.


Royal was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Veda Lyson; in-laws, Donald (Spence) and Cleo Nordquist; infant granddaughter, Avery JoHanna Lyson; and siblings, Olivia Werlinger, Harlan Lyson, Bruce Lyson, Junior Lyson, Virginia Edwards, Perry Lyson, Nita Jager, and Russell Lyson.




Burial Date: September 2, 2018
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Celebration of Life Service: 2:oo p.m., Sunday, September 2, 2018, United Lutheran Church, Elbow Lake, MN
Visitation: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday, September 1, 2018, Erickson-Smith Funeral Home, Elbow Lake, MN