Lawrence was born on December 19, 1934, to Victor and Marie (Hunger) Stettler in the Town of Hull, Marathon County. He attended Riverview School and graduated from Colby High School in 1952. He was a graduate of Taylor County Teachers College in Medford and UW-Stevens Point with a degree in elementary education. He received his Masters’ Degree in Elementary Administration from UW-Madison.
He taught in rural schools (Pickard, Wright, and Pleasant Hill) in the Abbotsford area before becoming teacher/principal at the Abbotsford Elementary School for 24 years. He then became principal at Holy Rosary School in Medford, also St. Louis School in Dorchester serving a total of 51 years in education.
Lawrence served in the Wisconsin National Guard for six years and was on active duty in Fort Lewis, Washington during the Berlin Crisis in 1961-1962.
Lawrence married Adelle Schaefer on August 6, 1958 in St. Thomas Catholic Church in Milan. They enjoyed 59 years together.
Lawrence loved working in his woods, gardening, raising beef cattle, taking bus trips, playing cards, reading and visiting with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Adelle, children: Vicky (Mark) Calmes, David (Ella) Stettler, Julie (Kevin) Ellenbecker, and Kevin (Donna) Stettler. He is further survived by eight grandchildren: Tiffani, Brittani, Lyddia, Ashley, Emily, Bailey, Alex and Michael, nine great grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, Sharon Pupp and Elaine Rueden, along with many nieces & nephews.
His parents, brother John and sister, Loretta Weller preceded him in death.
Hemer Funeral Home of Medford is entrusted with the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.
