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Alden Lawrence Obituary

Lawrence, Alden A.

Alden "Al" A. Lawrence, son, husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and friend left this life Saturday, March 2, 2013 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield with his loving family by his side.

A celebration of Al's life will be held from 4p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5th at Rembs Funeral Home and again on Wednesday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Service.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 6th at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Marshfield with Fr. Eric Berns officiating.

Al was born on September 22, 1939 in Spencer, WI. He was the second son born to Byrl and Dorothy (Vanderhoof) Lawrence. Al grew up on the family farm in the rural Spencer area. While growing up, he enjoyed the outdoors, animals, boating, waterskiing, and swimming in the creeks by the farms. He also loved playing sports, particularly baseball. Al's elementary education was at Veefkind and Harding Schools of rural Spencer and later Spencer High School.

Al married Carol J. Weis on September 26, 1959 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Spencer, WI. A daughter, Rebecca "Becky" Lee was born to this union.

Al married Joyce (Danielson) Apker on September 10, 1994, joining families and children Becky (Todd), Randy, and Sheri (Jamie). They later welcomed grandkids Kami, Kole, Ryan, and Trista to the family.

Al enjoyed deer hunting, snowmobiling, golfing, and playing softball. He was a member of the United States GOC Air Force Observer.

Over 50 years ago, Al's passion of sales began at Felker Motors which eventually became V&H auto, which is where he spent almost his entire adult life doing what he loved. There were a brief couple of years during which Al worked at Black River Campers and Crown Olds Cadillac. Al was a true Ford man often telling the story of riding with his uncle in his Model T. Al was proud to work for Ford Motor and he absolutely loved his customers. Being able to socialize with them and help them find the right vehicle was very rewarding to him. He took pride in knowing his customers were well taken care of. He worked for and with many wonderful people over the years.

Al loved grilling out and family gatherings, especially helping Joyce in the kitchen making memorable holiday meals, always sending you home with a supply of leftovers. Chili and bologna salad were a couple of Al's homemade favorites. The grandkids warmly remember and loved all of the stocking stuffers, egg hunts, and money scavenger games he engineered. He always liked and usually passed on a good joke, was a prankster at times, and always had a mischievous wink. Al also enjoyed riding his Gold Wing, going to the casino, packer football although rarely finishing an entire game, camping at the Hodag music fest ("if it wasn't country, it wasn't music"), shopping for summer flowers for his yard, and a well manicured lawn-mowing every other day. He especially enjoyed the many trips with his brother and sister-in-law to Door County, Red Wing, and other various places.

Al's family would like to thank the many physicians and health care workers of the Marshfield Clinic and Ministry St. Joseph's, who over the years, showed compassion and skilled care to our husband and dad. After he had been diagnosed with Lymphoma in the late 1970's and given only one month to live, Al "doctored" with countless Marshfield Clinic physicians and grew to know many of the extended support staff. He called many of these professionals "friends," especially Doctor Joe Mazza, who Al had tremendous faith in.

Thank you to LaVonne, our guiding angel, who caringly provided us with her interpretation skills and the guidance we needed to help Al through this most difficult time.

Surviving Al are his wife, Joyce, of Marshfield, daughter Becky (Todd) Lawrence-Oppman of Marshfield, stepson Randy Apker of Menasha, stepdaughter Sheri (Jamie) Kizer of Marshfield, four grandchildren, Kami Oppman, Kole Oppman, Ryan Kizer, and Trista Kizer all of Marshfield, three brothers, Ray (Margie) Lawrence of Marshfield, Rocky (LaVonne) Lawrence of Neillsville, Arlyn (Trina Grothman) Lawrence of Merrillan, brother-"by"-law Ken Danielson (special friend Cindy Rieck), special friends Carol (David Poehnelt) Lawrence, and many nieces, nephews, very special 4th Street neighbors, friends, and relatives.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law Rose and Forrest Danielson, and Jake and Norma Weis.

Memorials may be directed to Marshfield Clinic Cancer Research or to the family to be designated at a later date.

Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com

Dad,

To the toughest person I know - Your courage and strength over the years have been truly amazing. You have shown a remarkable ability to accept whatever came your way, always tackling it with integrity and perseverance. Thank you for always being an encouraging, proud, and loving grandpa. For loving me unconditionally and for giving me the most comforting sense of knowing. I could count on you for anything at anytime. Thanks for being the best dad a girl could ask for.

Forever in my heart,

Loving you always, XO

Becky

Published by Marshfield News Herald on Mar. 4, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Our sincere sympathy to The Family of Al. He was a wonderful, friendly guy who always had time to stop & chat awhile. We will keep your family in our thoughts & prayers.
Jim & Margie Kremer

Jim & Margie Kremer

March 22, 2013

Joyce - my thoughts and sympathy are with you. He was always so kind and helpful. May the many memories heal the pain of loss. Fritz often talked about what a good friend he was. Sue Willfahrt

March 15, 2013

Sorry to hear about your dad Becky. Our prayers are with you always. Dick and Janice Harriman

March 8, 2013

Joyce and family...
You have our deepest sympathy in the passing of Al. He was a very kind man and liked by many people.

Irene & Randy Ellis

March 7, 2013

"Pa", Thank you for always taking such good care of Mom. We couldn't have asked for a better second Dad. Ryan & Trista will always have wonderful memories of a Grandpa who they adored. Thank you for everything! We love you! ~Sheri

March 6, 2013

Deepest sympathy to Al's entire family. He was a kind and loving man, who was always a good friend to my father, Len Martin, through V&H. May he rest in peace. I'm sure dad and Al are shooting the breeze in heaven right now!

Nancy (Martin) Hillenbrand

March 5, 2013

Our world and lives were blessed by having you here. You made a difference and fought a courageous battle..We don't find your caliber very often.
Your family will be richer with the memories you leave...God Bless

Ev and Rod Melbinger

March 5, 2013

Our thoughts and Prayers go out to your family Becky and Todd. May your dad Rest In Peace Becky. Love Suzy Englebretson and jeff Ludwig

suzy and jeff englebretson

March 5, 2013

We are so sorry to hear about Al. Joyce please know that you and the entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Doug & Debby Apker

March 4, 2013

Our Deepest Sympathy to Al Lawrence Family. We have known Al for many years, throu V & H . Have bought many cars & trucks from him. He had a wonderful personality & will be greatly missed. I just bought a car the end of November from him. Janet Bredlau & Family

March 4, 2013

Joyce and family,
You have our deepest sympathy and payers.
Joe & Jean Faber

March 4, 2013

Rest in peace, Brother Al, and be sure to check in on Mom and Dad in Heaven.
Love to Joyce, Becky, Todd, Kami, and Kole. With love, Nancy Buckley

March 4, 2013

We are so sad to here about Al! He sure will be missed! We are unable to be there Wednesday but you will all be in our hearts and prayers. He sure was a loving and caring man. I will miss seeing him outside mowing or blowing the leaves off the driveway as I drive in in see my parents. Joyce I am so sorry I am unable to be there. ((HUGS))

Steve & Tracy Schroeder

March 4, 2013

We will not only miss Al as a friend, but also as a salesman over the years to come up with vehicle that we wanted. I go back a long way with Al to trudging through the mud and snow to the Veefkind Grade School, and fishing and swimming in the Yellow River. Our condolences go out to Al's family.

Ron & Carol Koepke

RON KOEPKE

March 4, 2013

We are saddened to hear of Al's passing. Please find comfort in the wonderful man he was and in all the memories made. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Vern & Sheila Kind

March 4, 2013

My thoughts and prayers to Al's family. My mom and I were just talking about Alden this weekend. His smile and happiness will be greatly missed.

Juliana Schlinsog

March 4, 2013

Joyce,our deepest sympathy in the passing of Al. He was a great man.
Bernice & Jim Mercer

March 4, 2013

A lot of respect for a great man.

Rick Neville

March 4, 2013

Always looked forward to seeing Al Sundays @ the Patio. I will miss him.

Sara Lalicata

March 4, 2013

My deepest regards for the loss of Al ~ he'll be deeply missed at V&H and will forever be my 'God Father of Sales'. I'll miss his 'Yesssss' whenever asked how he was doing and his warm smile despite his health... truly a sad time Al - we will miss you.

Joe Maass & Family

March 4, 2013

We were saddened to learn of Al's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Jim & Kris Leonhardt

March 4, 2013

Al was such a great guy, so quiet and gentle. I think he could sell a bag of ice to a person north of the artic circle with his quiet style. He always dressed to the "nines" and never a hair out of place, and oh that beautiful smile. He made it possible for us to use Mrs. Felker's Thunderbird for our wedding car in 1964. He had convertibles ready for Bill whenever "Miss Marshfield" had to be in a parade. He was THE BEST. May you rest in the peace of Christ, Al.

Bill & Rosemary Gamble

March 4, 2013

Sorry to hear of your great loss. From a Spencer class mate. Orlin

Orlin Nall

March 4, 2013

You were a strong, kind man with a wonderful,loving family. My heart goes out to them all at this time. Thoughts & prayers. You will be missed by many. Oh yes, 'the wink' ;) R.I.P. Al.

Mary G

March 3, 2013

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