John B. Lawrence, 76, of Janesville died Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016, at Mercy Manor Transitional Center.
He was born in Richland County, Wis., on April 29, 1939, the son of Leslie and Clara Hunter Lawrence. He graduated from Ontario High School and served in the U. S. Army from 1962 to 1964 as a military policeman.
John married Barbara Stapleton on Oct. 15, 1977. He was employed by General Motors for more than 47 years. He was a member of Faith Community Church and was very active in various Masonic orders. He was a Past Worship Master of Janesville Masonic Lodge 14, served as Worthy Patron of the Janesville Eastern Star Chapter several times, and was Grand Chaplain of the Grand Chapter of Easter Star in 2007 and 2008. John enjoyed spending time with his precious granddaughters, walking his grand dog, Buddy, for more than 10 years and reading.
Surviving are his wife, Barb Lawrence; two children, Kelley (Jeff) Marotta of Janesville and Michael (Cindy) Lawrence of South Beloit, Ill.; his four granddaughters, Autumn and Carly Lawrence and Sarah and Grace Marotta; his grand dog, Buddy; the mother of Mike and Kelley, Sue Lawrence Sandvig; three sisters, Betty Ross of Viroqua, Joan (Roger) Von Haden of Portage, Wis., and Janet (Jerry) Aboussleman of Lawrenceville, Ga.; two brothers, Branson (Doris) Lawrence of Oxford, Wis., and Alan Lawrence of Viroqua; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Byron Lawrence; his sister-in-law, Rita Lawrence; and his brother-in-law, Howard Ross.
John’s family would like to thank Mercy Hospice for all of their support and for giving him the opportunity to spend his last days at home.
Visitation will be from 4–6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, at Henke-Clarson Funeral Home, 1010 N. Wright Road, Janesville, with Masonic services at 6 p.m. Monday.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, at Faith Community Church, 2931 Lucerne Drive, Janesville. Rev. Jerry Dean will officiate. There will be visitation at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Burial with military rites by Kienow-Hilt V.F.W. Post 1621 will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family. The family is being assisted by Henke-Clarson Funeral Home (608-741-1713).
