Lawrence Schlegel

1979 - 2013

Lawrence Alan Schlegel

COSHOCTON: Lawrence Alan Schlegel, 33, of Fresno, went to be with the Lord on Monday October 14, 2013.

Born October 27, 1979 in Dover, Lawrence was a 1998 graduate of Ridgewood High School, and he continued his education at Kent State University. He and two college friends, William Dale Stryffeler and Rebecca E. Samora, moved to Florida to pursue their dreams. While in Florida, Lawrence continued his studies at The University of Tampa and began his professional career as an IT Specialist at Nationwide Insurance. Lawrence also obtained his real estate broker license, and along with his business partners, founded Empire Real Estate, Inc., a real estate investment firm located in Tampa, Florida. Lawrence focused his efforts on the restoration and design of old homes and historic buildings. He demonstrated strong business ethics, high moral standard, and a genuine compassion for helping others through his business ventures and personal endeavors.

Lawrence carried a heavy burden to help those in need and to transform the way we, as a society, come together for the greater good of our neighbors. While in Tampa, Lawrence founded a non-profit organization that provided food, clothing, medicine, tools, and necessities to the poor in Ethiopia and local needy communities in Tampa. In addition to his charitable work, Lawrence enjoyed traveling and exploring his heritage with trips to Ireland and Scotland. Lawrence returned to Ohio in 2012, in search of new opportunities to help those in need. He was baptized Catholic as a child, he was a student of religion, and he was a spiritual being that has now found ultimate peace.

Lawrence will truly be missed by his parents Alan Harry and Bonnie Jean (McRobie) Schlegel of Newcomerstown; two brothers Chrispen Joel (Tiffany Marie) Schlegel of West Lafayette, Dr. Briar Lee (Jessica Renae Carr) Schlegel of Zanesville; sister Amber Jo (Jonathan David) Slusher and niece Emily Jo Slusher of Independence; grandmothers Donna Lee McRobie of Fresno, Delores E. Schlegel of Bluffton; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his grandfathers James Albert McRobie and Lawrence Albert Schlegel.

To honor Lawrence's request, a private family gathering was held Thursday evening, October 17, 2013 at Free Funeral Home with Deacon Andy Duda officiating. Lawrence's ashes will be scattered in a private ceremony according to his wishes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memoriums may be made to honor Lawrence's memory to St. Francis de Sales, 440 S. River St., Newcomerstown, OH 43832 or Sacred Heart Church, 805 Main St., Coshocton, OH 43812 or Renner's St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 7620 Renner Road SW, Fresno, OH 43824. Envelopes are available at the Free Funeral Home. To remember Lawrence, say a prayer for the world's needy and suffering peoples.

The online guestbook may be signed at www.coshoctontribune.com.