Lawrence Sawatzke

Lawrence P. "Larry" Sawatzke, age 80 of Crosslake, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday July 29, 2006. A funeral Mass will be 12:00 PM Thursday at the Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Crosslake, MN. Friends may call beginning at 10:00 AM to share memories of Larry and celebrate life at the church on Thursday. Private interment with military honors will be in Pinewood Cemetery.
Larry was born on October 19, 1925, in Delano MN, the son of Albert and Gertrude (Stotko) Sawatzke. He grew up working on the farm moving from Delano to Maple Lake and then Waverly. After his graduation in 1943, he answered the call to serve his country and joined the Merchant Marine where he was trained as a radio operator and commissioned an officer. During World War II, he sailed aboard many tankers and Liberty ships in convoy, both in the Pacific and Atlantic. Larry had many "sea stories" and was a true sailor at heart.

Returning home from active duty, he met Geraldine "Geri" Kempenich and they were united in Marriage on May 1, 1948, in Pine River MN. To this union, four children were born.

Larry's professional career began in 1949 when he joined the Asbestos Workers Local #34, became an insulator and went to work for A.H. Bennett Co., first as a foreman then as an Estimator. In 1970, co-founded E&S Insulation Co. and was president until his retirement in 1991. Spending many vacations and as much time as possible in the Crosslake area, Larry and Geri built their retirement home here.

Larry was a member of Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 500 of Crosslake and the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 34. He also did volunteer work for the Chamber of Commerce and many other organizations. He was an excellent handyman, enjoyed fishing and boating, loved to travel (especially on cruise ships), staying in touch with people, and spending time with his family.

His parents, Albert and Gertrude; sisters Helen and Ann Marie; and brothers Robert and William preceded him in death. Larry is mourned in passing by his loving wife of 58 years, Geri; children, Linda (James) Frederick of Weyauwega, WI, John (Ginny) Sawatzke of Denver, CO, Paul (Laurie) Sawatzke of Elk River, MN, and Thomas (Lynette) Sawatzke of Billings, MT; 10 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; sisters, Delores Paul of Bismarck, ND, Eleanor Franke of Buffalo, MN and Cathy Gunderson of Belle Vista, AR.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Crosslake.