John Frederick Lawrenz

John Frederick Lawrenz, 74, of Gardner, KS, passed away February 13, 2011, at his home. Memorial Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 19, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church, 704 8th St, Baldwin City, KS. Cremation arrangements: Bruce Funeral Home, Gardner, KS, 913-856-7111. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Olathe Hospice House. Condolences may be sent to www.brucefuneralhome.com.
John was born June 12, 1936, in rural Douglas County, near Clearfield, KS, to Fredrick William and Louise Blanch (Murdoch) Lawrenz. He was a graduate of Vinland High School and the KC Technical College. John married Marilyn Jean Schneider on December 16, 1978 in Eudora, KS. He moved to Gardner 33 years ago. He was a technician for Kings Avionics at New Century, retiring in 2001. He was a member of First Light United Methodist Church of Gardner, served as their first treasurer, and also served on the Executive Committee for the Kansas Area United Methodists Rural Fellowship. He loved the farm and enjoyed traveling, especially with mission trips for his church. He worked hard on CROP Walk and Neighbor Helping Neighbor annual projects. John was a “rock” for his family and his church.
He was preceded in death by his parents. John is survived by his wife Marilyn, of the home; children Darren Lawrenz and wife Christina of Baldwin City, Laura Brown of Westphalia, KS, Cricket Mercer of Lawrence, KS, Wesli Johnson of Gardner, and J. Norris of Baldwin City; siblings Robert Lawrenz of Eudora, Jim Lawrenz of Baldwin City and Catherine Hess of Good Thunder, MN; and six grandchildren.