Lawrence Philip Thurwanger

KEWANEE – Lawrence Philip Thurwanger, 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Advocate Eureka Hospital at 9:28 p.m., Friday, February 8, 2019 in Eureka, IL.

He was born August 5, 1932 in Kewanee, the son of Philip J. and Sophia (Verschage) Thurwanger. He married Sharon Elaine Snider on May 16, 1953 in Kewanee. Survivors include his wife, Sharon, three children; Mike (Christine) Thurwanger of Eureka, Terri (Dennis) Waggoner of Germantown Hills and Janet (Jeff) Fults of Penfield, IL. He enjoyed his six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Donald E. Thurwanger.

After graduation from Kewanee High School with the class of 1950, he served an enlistment in the U.S. Navy during the waning days of the Korean Conflict as an Aviation Radioman. Following his military service, he returned to Kewanee where he resumed employment with the Kewanee Star Courier working as a newspaper pressman. He was an active member of his union and served for a number of years as president of his local.

Larry was an active member of Saint John Paul II Parish in Kewanee throughout his life there, serving in a number of ministries within the parish. He and Sharon later moved to Metamora where they were members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and most recently moved to Washington where they are members of St. Patrick Parish.

Larry was an avid Cubs and Illini fan and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He maintained his sense of humor and still brought smiles to those around him to the very end. He enjoyed his life and those who touched upon it. His was a life well lived.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 16 at Saint John Paul II Parish in Kewanee. Celebrant will be Fr. Johndamaseni Zilimu. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, February 15 at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee with recitation of the rosary at 6:45 p.m. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by the Kewanee Veterans Council. Memorials may be directed to the Visitation Catholic School.                                                   

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