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Lawrence ELLENA Obituary
Lawrence J.
Ellena
VIRDEN, IL – Lawrence J. Ellena, 85, passed away at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013 at his home.
Lawrence was born April 16, 1928, in Auburn, Ill., a son of John and Louise (Artuso) Ellena. He was a WW II U.S. Army Air Forces veteran, a member of Sacred Heart Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus # 2321, Virden, Ill., American Legion Post # 386, Virden, Ill., and retired from Franklin Life Insurance Company where he worked as a Telecommunications Director. He married Cecilia Smith June 20, 1953, in Virden, Ill.
Surviving Lawrence are his son, Dr. John T. Ellena of Clayton, Mo.; his daughter, Diane L. (Matthew) Dodd of Auburn, Ill.; grandchildren: Brian and Stephanie Garrison and Chris and Eric Dodd. Preceding Lawrence in death were his wife, Cecilia Ellena; a daughter, Linda Garrison; and a sister, Minnie Coates.
Visitation will be from 10:30-11:30 a.m., Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at Calvert & Ferry Funeral Home in Virden with a funeral mass at Noon Friday at Sacred Heart Church in Virden. Monsignor Thomas Holinga will be officiating with burial in Virden Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Prairieland Ambulance or to the Virden Fire Department or toward masses at Sacred Heart Church to be said in Lawrence's name.
Please visit calvert-ferryfuneralhomes.com to leave a comment for the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence ELLENA
Shelly Quarton-Sharp
August 17, 2013
Diane and family, so sorry to hear of your dad's passing, thinking of you at this difficult time,
Vickie (Lair) Jones
August 17, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. I carpooled with your dad to The Franklin. He was a great guy and I remember his smile. He loved his family so much. Praying for God to give you strength and comfort.
Carole deVries
August 16, 2013
To Larry's family, I am so sorry for your loss. My late husband (John) and I knew him through the KC's and church. He always had a good word and smile for you. May you find comfort in your memories of this wonderful man. Keeping you all in thought and prayer now and in the days ahead.
Theresa, John, John Jr, Carson & Lauren Richter
August 16, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. I will always have good memories of Uncle Lawrence while visiting & staying at your mom & dads house when we came to town. He was a wonderful person. God Bless,
August 16, 2013
Dear family of Lawrence,
Stump and I were honored to know this good man, your father and grandfather. The love that all of you showed him these past years as you cared for his every need is a testimony to the love he taught each of you. What a comfort to know Lawrence has now heard the words of his Lord, "Well done good and faithful servant." Love and prayers,
The Craner Family
Bill & Vicki Dowling
August 15, 2013
Di, you and your family are in mine Vicki's prayers. Please accept our deepest condolences!
August 15, 2013
Diane, John, Matt, Chris and Eric, you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love all of you. Uncle Lawrence was a great dad, uncle and grandfather!
Julie, Jeff and Nicole
Bill & Vicki Dowling
August 15, 2013
Di please know that you and your family are in mine and Vicki's prayers. Our deepest condolences!
Allen Pat
August 15, 2013
Dear Ellena Family: Larry was a very kind,loving person...remember him @ Mass...my heartfelt prayers...very faithful & loving...May he be resting in the loving Arms of our dear Lord. Rest in peace Faithful servant...your family has been showed so much love & care! God Be With You all! Pat Allen & (Jim "in spirit") & Family
August 15, 2013
I was saddened to hear of your loss.
Please know how very sorry I am.
Shirley Worth
August 15, 2013
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Eric & Missy Allison and family
Linda Crawford
August 15, 2013
John, I am sorry I missed your father's visitation. I just learned of his passing this afternoon. You have my sympathy, I know how hard it is to loose a parent.
Ann Collins
August 15, 2013
to John and Diane - my thoughts and prayers are with you. I always heard about Lawrence from Aunt Minnie. I know how much you all did for his care and comfort. What love you showed for him. God Bless!
Charlotte Denton
August 15, 2013
To the Ellena Family -
I am sorry for your loss. I worked with Larry at Franklin Life, he was a wonderful man. Every time I saw him he had a big smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Vickie Bagby
August 15, 2013
Larry's family,
I worked with Larry at Franklin Life. I was in Data Entry and he would come and work on our machines. He was very nice and friendly to all. May God Bless you in your time of sorrow.
Linda Mitchell
August 15, 2013
Diane we were neighbors for years, I'm so sorry to hear of your Father's passing.
The Wright & Dalby Families
August 15, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
james Cribbett
August 15, 2013
To the Ellena Family:
I am very sorry for your loss. I worked at The FRANKLIN when Larry was there. I was in DP and your father would work on our office machines. He was always smiling and full of fun. He will be missed..
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Airsman & Calvert Funeral Homes - Virden521 North Springfield Street, Virden, IL 62690
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