Gary T. Lawrenz, “Stubby”, 72, passed away on Monday at Ascension All Saints Medical Center. He was born in Racine on April 19, 1946, the son of the late Kenneth and Dorothy (Nee: Thomas) Lawrenz, and was a lifelong resident of Racine.
He was a graduate of St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1964”. On May 22, 1981 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church he was united in marriage to Kathleen F. (Nee: Janot) Preston. Gary was employed by Western Publishing for thirty-seven years. He was a member of Hope Community Church. Being a die-hard Cub fan, Gary was very proud to have witnessed the Cubs win the World Series. He also loved the outdoors, golfing and traveling.
He will be dearly missed by his loving wife of thirty-seven years, Kathy; his children, Kyle Lawrenz, Mark Preston, Joe (Farrell) Preston; his grandchildren, Kyle Jr., Thaija, Shawon, Kali, Maddie, Michael, Kristopher, Seeley, and Alder; sister, Rita (Matt) Andis; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Julie Schuebel, Ted (Karen) Janot, Judy Mathews, Karen Hancock; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.
A Celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Friday at 11:30 a.m. at Hope Community Church with Reverend John Draper officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. Private interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Hope Community Church Building Fund have been suggested.
A very special thank you to Dr. Gullberg and staff at Ascension All Saints for their loving and compassionate care.
“Thank you Gary for being a great husband and friend. I will always love you and miss you.”