Thomas A. Lawrenz

Thomas (Tom to friends and family) was the second child born to Clara and Albert Lawrenz, followed by three beloved sisters. During his early years, he lived on a farm outside of Gaylord, Minnesota, with his family and his paternal grandparents. Life on the farm wasn't always easy, but he learned a strong work ethic and enjoyed being outdoors. In 1941, the family moved into his mother's childhood home in Gaylord.

At Gaylord High School, Tom excelled in sports, including football and basketball. He, like many other young men at the time, enlisted in the Army to support the US and allies in WWII. Tom often joked that he "hit the beach" in Japan. Then he'd chuckle and share that he was tapped to be a lifeguard at the base's beach – since he was one of the few that truly knew how to swim!

After being discharged from the Army, Tom headed to St. John's University in Collegeville, MN, studying Chemistry. He continued to participate in sports and always spoke of that time as a happy, yet eye-opening experience – far different from small town life in Gaylord!

After graduating, Tom joined Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company (now 3M) as a chemist in their Adhesives, Coatings and Sealers group. While at 3M, he built a tight group of friends who loved to spend time at their shared lake house – and would go out singing and dancing until the wee hours. It was at one of those gatherings, he met Patricia (Pat) Callaghan. She was a Pediatric RN and, according to Tom, was the "most beautiful girl and the best dancer in any room".

In 1960, he was transferred with 3M to Columbus, OH to serve as a Quality Control Supervisor. Still in Minnesota, Pat sent him a picture of herself – the "glamour shot" of the day – and on his next trip home, he proposed. They were married in October, 1961 and welcomed their first child, Gregory, the following year. Another son, James, followed. And, after another transfer, this time to Montpelier, OH, Steven and Kathleen joined the family.

In 1969, they again moved, this time to Springfield, MO. They gave their young family a bucolic suburban life among many other young families, filled with backyard barbeques, Easter egg hunts, firefly gathering and flashlight tag. It was also there that they met lifelong friends, Jim & Betty Sommerer and their two children, Karen & Keith.

After only 3 years in Missouri, life next brought them to Plymouth, MI – where they would live until Tom and Pat both retired. They looked at many states and cities for their "next act" – and settled on Hot Springs Village, AR. There they found a new community with more dear friends through their church and the Knights of Columbus, where Tom was a 4th Degree Knight.

Retirement gave Tom time for his favorite pursuits: golf and fishing. He and Pat also volunteered for local charities, giving back wherever they could. And they played A LOT of Bridge!

After losing Pat in 2007, Tom didn't enjoy living alone. He was welcomed first into his son, Jim's home in Texas, where he lived with Jim's wife, Bonnie, and their two sons. He later moved to Maryland and finally to Florida. In these latter two, he was lovingly cared for by his son Steve and his wife, Marla.

Tom's health began to fail in the last two years. At 97 years old, he felt he'd lived a good, long, full life. A man of faith, even once Covid and his mobility wouldn't permit attending Mass in person, he attended from home every Sunday and prayed every night. We believe he is truly resting in peace.

Tom is survived by son Gregory Lawrenz (Renee); son James Lawrenz (Bonnie); son Steven Lawrenz (Marla); daughter Kathleen Campbell (Jim); sister Mary Bingham (Cliff); sister Jean Gardner; grandchildren Patrick Lawrenz; Andrew Lawrenz; Bryan Lawrenz; David Lawrenz; Meghan Feijoo; Etienne Palmer-Campbell; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous beloved nieces; nephews; grandnieces; grandnephews; and too many cousins to count – but all close to Tom's heart. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 46 years, Patricia A. Lawrenz; his parents, Clara and Albert Lawrenz; his brother, Francis Lawrenz; and his sister, Rose Ann Austin.

A Funeral Mass take place on Saturday, Aug. 30th at 11am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Tom's final resting place will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, MN. Inurement will immediately follow the Mass. Afterward, family & friends will gather at a nearby restaurant for an informal lunch

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.