Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

DAVID ROBERT LAWRENZ

About

Wheaton College

FUNERAL HOME

Hultgren Funeral Home and Cremation Center - Wheaton

304 N. Main St.

Wheaton, Illinois

DAVID LAWRENZ Obituary

David Robert Lawrenz of Wheaton for 41 years David Robert Lawrenz, 59, died on Sept. 4, 2011, at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Ill. The firstborn son of the Rev. Richard and LaVerne Lawrenz, he was born on Dec. 30, 1951, in Pasadena, Calif. Dave met the love of his life, Ann, on May 16, 1981, and married her on June 5, 1982. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 29 years, their three children, Jason (27), Josh (23) and Jenna (21), and their new grandson, Judah (5 months), son of Jason and his wife, Robin. He is also survived by his four younger siblings, Kathy, John, Tom and Mary and their families. Dave was a man whose life was characterized by his unwavering faith, his self-sacrificial love for his family, his passionate support for Wheaton College (Ill.), and his genuine care for others. Dave and family have been members of College Church in Wheaton for the past 18 years. He raised his family, by word and by example, to love God with their whole hearts and to love others as they love themselves. His faith stabilized them in the midst of many trials. His constant and contagious joy originated from his confidence in Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. Dave took great joy in telling others about his family. From lifelong friends to one-time acquaintances, all those who met Dave quickly came to know his family through his eagerly-shared stories of them. He consistently thought of his family before he thought of himself, and he found great joy in being a proud and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and son. An alumnus of Wheaton College ('74), Dave worked at Wheaton for the past eight years as a director of development. He will be missed by colleagues and business contacts alike for his work ethic, his humor, his caring demeanor, and his ability to cultivate friendships. In addition to his work at Wheaton, Dave was an uncommonly devoted fan of Wheaton athletics, particularly of their men's basketball and women's softball teams. His presence in the office, on the road, and in the stands will be sorely missed by the Wheaton College community. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Sept. 8, from 4 to 9 p.m. at College Church in Wheaton. On Friday, Sept. 9, all who knew Dave are invited to a graveside service at Wheaton Cemetery at 9:30 a.m. A memorial service in his honor will be held at College Church in Wheaton at 11 a.m. Refreshments will follow the memorial service for all who attend. In lieu of flowers, Dave's family requests that donations be made to Wheaton College. Donations can be directed to: Pam Munn (Development), Wheaton College, 501 College Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187. Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Herald on Sep. 7, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for DAVID LAWRENZ

14 Entries

Dan Simms

October 15, 2020

My excellent friend, Dave, has been gone for nearly ten years and I find myself thinking of him often. He was my classmate for two years, in grades 4 & 5, as I best recall. His amazing levels enthusiasm and knowledge of sports made us instant friends. I recall that he moved to Manchester from Racine, WI. My two favorite Dave Lawrenz stories were about 48 years apart. First, in 4th grade, with teacher Miss Schmitt, we usually spent lunch recess playing around the ol' Central School . . . In 1961-62. One day, in Spring 1962, a beautiful day, we returned to the classroom after lunch to resume instruction. Miss Schmitt was missing Dave and she asked me where he was. I didn't know, so I went to the window, from the 2nd or 3rd floor, and scanned the front of the School playground. Low and behold, there was Dave, standing at full attention . . . Everything but a salute, on the sidewalk immediately across the street from the Methodist Church, completely mesmerized by the mid-day bells/chimes emanating from the steeple, completely ignoring the fact that he was missing classroom time. As I recall, Miss Schmitt sent me out to fetch Dave. He was in a "zone" that I have probably never seen in anyone, and I think he said, "Isn't that beautiful", or something like that . . . I was wired much different than Dave, so I was a bit baffled. He returned to class and did not get yelled at, as Miss Schmitt was very understanding. My second "Dave story" is tied to the 40th class reunion in Manchester. A group of about 12 of us golfed early in the day and then we had the reunion party. I then had the wonderful and much anticipated reconnection with Dave, after no contact for 47 years!! He was impressed by the golf course we were partying at, owned by a classmate and he asked my to give him a tour. We had a blast for the next 30 minutes, catching up on our lives and family stuff . . . A very, very important moment in my life, one that I'll never forget! Quite sadly, Dave's time on Earth ended far too soon. I will always cherish the friendship that we rekindled at that class reunion. Miss ya', buddy!!

James Roskam

March 26, 2016

Dave and I played trombone in the Wheaton College Concert Band. I was two years behind him but he made me feel welcome as an incoming freshman, and was a friendly, "up" person who made those around him feel included and worthwhile. It was good to renew contact with him years later when I moved back to the Wheaton area for work. Will be good to see him again in Christ's kingdom.

Tom Hoisington

April 5, 2012

I had the privilege of working with Dave for a couple of years. He was a true gentleman and a man of faith. We got to see each other occasionally when he was in Orlando or I was in Chicago but those visits were too infrequent. I will miss his sense of purpose and his wonderful sense of humor. My sincere condolences to his family.

Peter Van Houten

December 15, 2011

I sadly just learned about David's passing when my Wheaton Alumni magazine arrived yesterday. Needless to say I was surprised and saddened. My late condolences go out to his family and relatives. David and I were roommates for two years during our Wheaton College years and we were good friends and hung out all four years. I still recall the night we first met while out on a boat on Lake Michigan during Freshman orientation. We learned that both of us played the trombone and both of our fathers were pastors. Some years later Dave and his lovely wife Ann introduced me to my wife on a blind date occasion at their home which was then in Oak Park. Later he stood up in my wedding. I know that Dave loved his wife and children and Wheaton College, but especially his Lord. While so sorry to see him depart so prematurely, I am glad to see that he is now safe in the arms of Jesus and look forward to seeing him again on that great day.

David Walker

September 18, 2011

To my knowledge no one has ever been a more ardent supporter of the ministry and mission of Wheaton College than Dave Lawrenz. In my four years of study at Wheaton the students who knew me affectionately called me "superfan" because I enjoyed going out of my way to show my support for students who knew how to put Christ first in all of their athletic and academic pursuits. Dave's support of Wheaton College athletics was on a level superior to and equal to no one. He was a mighty man of God who loved much and loved well. His smile and wit will be greatly missed on the sidelines and stands.

JIm and Mary Whitmer

September 15, 2011

Dave was our insurance guy early on - what a fabulous guy. It was always fun to be around him - so positive, genuine and Christ-like. He is going to be missed by everyone who knew him.
Jim and Mary Whitmer, Wheaton

September 11, 2011

My love and support go out to Dave's family. He was a great friend of Wheaton and also friend to many in the CCIW basketball and chat community. I met him a number of times during IWU-Wheaton games and was always impressed by his sincerity and kindness. A big loss to us all. Mark Sheldon, IWU70

Gerry Heldt

September 11, 2011

I met Dave one time when I attended a basketball game at King with my son, then a Wheaton College student, but l just felt compelled to write something here. We spoke only briefly, but he was one of those people who exuded personal.kindness and a love for the college and what the institution stood for. People like Dave have such a positive impact on others by their very nature and presence. My deepest condolences to all of Dave's family and friends.

Evan Hock

September 9, 2011

Though delayed, I want to be counted as one who thought much of Dave as a Christian husband and father, and College Church colleague. He was one of my first friends (with Ann) when our family started attending there. His countenence and home were engaging and cheerful, ever open to visits. He maintained his contact with me after we moved to Denver. I will remember him as one with a generous spirit, a servant always interested in people and their welfare. I am, therefore, saddened at this news and will miss him. I also rejoice with gospel hope, for he died assured in the Lord. Thus he did not see death, but rather Him who gives utimate rest (John 8:51). My heart and prayers go out to Ann and their three children at this time. MAy the Lord bless them with His peace.

Randy Pfund

September 9, 2011

Ann and family, God Bless you during this time. I know that words can't replace what you've lost as a husband and a father, but I wanted to share a few thoughts on my friendship with Dave. What a pleasure it has been for me the last few years to work with him and try to find ways to help Wheaton College continue it's unique mission. One of Dave's most enduring qualities was you always knew where he stood, he was such a positive ambassador for Wheaton and was never ashamed to state his case in a straight forward manner. The kind of guy you liked working with!! Of course I loved him because he was a true sports "fan" !!!!!! I don"t know how good a pitcher or shooter he was but if you could win by believing and rooting for your team he was an MVP many times!! Most importantly, Daves christian faith was at the forefront of everything he did. Over the years,when visiting my family I would go to College Church, he was always there,rain or snow, and would always greet me with that same smile. A man of God. Jason,Josh and Jenna,you should be very proud of your father, he was a wonderful guy. I'm sure for the rest of your life people will come up to you and tell you stories and say how your Dad impacted their lives, they will be telling the truth! Those same people will be there to support you along the way!!! I'm so sorry I couldn't be there for the memorial service. Over the last few days, the tears have flowed, he was a friend,a christian brother and college classmate'74 and it's hard to understand. But I know today there was a wonderful celebration of his life!! Ann, my heart goes out to you, may your faith in God sustain you during this time!!!! I John 5:13

David Blankenship

September 9, 2011

Our memories and friendships were built long ago, but it's no surprise that Dave became such a positive influence in the lives of so many people. The privilege of sharing his early life and enjoying the association with his amazing family is one that we treasure. May God fill your hearts with the comfort of a life that made such a difference..........

Julie Huebner

September 8, 2011

Although I only knew Dave through shared elevator rides, or bumping into him in the halls of the BGC, his kindness and joy were always evident.May God sustain and comfort your entire family during this time of loss.

September 8, 2011

Our deepest condolences on your loss. Dave was such a wonderful man, and we were privileged to know him and share so many good experiences with him and the rest of the Lawrenz family through our long association with softball. He will be deeply missed.--The Sullivan Family (Wheaton, IL)

The Hultgren Family and Staff

September 7, 2011

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results