Robert Louis Lawlor
In loving memory of Robert Lawlor, beloved husband, father and grandfather.
Robert Louis Lawlor, 90, passed away peacefully on May 5, in Naples, Fla.
He was born on Feb. 19, 1927, in Chicago, to Raymond L. and Kathryn Lawlor. He married Joyce Ruth Lane, of Waukon, on Dec. 31, 1948.
Robert graduated high school from St. Ambrose Academy, Davenport, at the age of 17 and enlisted in the Marine Corp, where he fought in Okinawa and received a Silver Star and Purple Heart. After discharge, he attended the University of Iowa, in Iowa City, and Coe College, in Cedar Rapids. He worked with his father as an insurance investigator until he retired in 1982.
Robert’s memories will be cherished by all those whose lives he touched. He lived a full and exemplary life, inspiring those around him with his dedication to his family, the church and the community. With a passion for life and plaid shirts, his great smile and dry sense of humor always made you feel happy and that you were important.
He was a pioneer in the Midwest wine industry. A visionary, in 1976, together with his wife, Joyce, he established the Lawlor Family Winery in McGregor, and La Crosse, Wis., which planted the seed in the late 1980s for what is now Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce; and four children, Cott (Karan) Lawlor, Galena, Ill., Christine (Mike) Lawlor-White, Galena, Ill., Tim (Ann) Lawlor, La Crosse, Wis., and Rebecca Lawlor, San Diego, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mona (Jim) Hayes, Solon.
He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond, and his mother, Kathryn.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to The Galena Foundatoin: PO Box 132, Galena, IL 61036. A celebration of life and funeral services are pending. There will be a Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, July 20, at St Mary Catholic Church/400 Franklin St Galena, Il. followed by a Celebration of Life from noon to 2 p.m. at Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery 4746 N. Ford Rd. Galena, IL. Friends may call one hour prior to the service Thursday at the church.