Eugene Patrick Lawler

Lawler, Eugene Patrick Born to Eternal Life Nov. 23, 2009 at 87 years. Gene is survived by his beloved spouse of 63 years, Joyce (nee Moorbeck); by their only daughter, Kathleen Ann; by their seven cherished sons, Patrick (Keli), Michael, Jack (Debra), Mark (Kathy Pat), Joseph, Charles (Stuart) and David (Barbara); by their treasured grandchildren, Jacob (Ylonka) Demitros, Patrick II, Kelly, Calloway, Kelsey, Kevin, Joshua and Zachary; and their darling great-granddaughter, Gloria. Gene is further survived by his sister, Kay (Walsh) and by his brother, Thomas as well as many other relatives and dear friends. Gene was a proud graduate of Marquette University High School. After serving in the North Atlantic, he earned selection to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, graduating in 1946. After the War, he began his civilian career as an engineer, moving into marketing, and opening an advertising agency in 1962 which became Hoffman York, Inc. Under his leadership, by 1981 the agency grew to be the largest in Wisconsin and he subsequently merged it with a New York firm. Gene continued to serve as Chairman and CEO until retirement in 1984 and was elected to the Board of Directors of the parent company, then the thirteenth largest agency in the world. Gene served as president of the Milwaukee Advertising Club and was awarded the Silver Medal for distinguished service by the American Advertising Federation. He also served on numerous boards, including the Godfrey Company, Marquette University College of Business Administration, Alverno College, St. Charles Boys Home, Blue Mound Country Club and Quail Creek Country Club in Naples, Florida. He also served as president of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Men. We will remember our father as a man of exceptional faith, integrity and generosity. He was an influential force in each of our lives and continuously inspired us with his wisdom, his foresight and his professional conduct. As a husband, a father, a brother, a colleague and a friend, Dad was one-of-a-kind. Visitation on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009, at St. Mary's Visitation Parish, 1260 Church Street, Elm Grove from 5 PM until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 7 PM. Private burial at St. Mary's Church Cemetery, Elm Grove. Memorial contributions gratefully accepted to Marquette University High School, 3401 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 52208, the Jesuit Partnership, 3400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53208, and to the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, 291 Wood Rd., Annapolis, MD 21402.
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