Elroy H. Lawonn

Elroy H. Lawonn, 91, Wausau, died Monday, August 31, 2015 at Stoney River in Weston. He was born October 8, 1923 in Milwaukee, son of the late Harry and Erna (Marsten) Lawonn. On March 1, 1947, he married Elaine Whitmore in Wausau. She preceded him in death on June 5, 1989. For 32 years, Elroy was a police officer with the Wausau Police Department, until his retirement at the age of 55. He was a veteran of the United States Army and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Burns Post No. 388, Wausau. Elroy was also a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge No. 248 in Wausau. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed going up North to his trailer, bird watching and sitting on his deck watching the cars go by and spending time outdoors. He loved time spent with his grandchildren who affectionately called him "Whomps". Elroy had a great sense of humor and especially loved to joke around with the staff at Stoney River over the past year. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Survivors include, two children, Wayne (Peggy) Lawonn, Wausau and Sandy (Mike) Rekowski, Wausau; five grandchildren, Mark (Brenda) Hollenbeck, Bryan Schilling, Lisa (Mike Dahl) Lawonn, Jennifer Lawonn and Derek (Joy) Schilling; six great-grandchildren, Hannah, Jessica, Spencer, Derek, Melissa and Scott; and four great-great-grandchildren, Jacob, Raymond, Ava and Zackary. Besides his parents and wife, Elaine, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Sonja Schilling; and one grandson, Clark Schilling. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2015 at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau. Rev. Theodore Gulhaugen will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau with full military honors conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wausau. Friends may call on Thursday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. There will be an Elks Lodge of Sorrow service at 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Brian Smith and the staff at Stoney River Assisted Living and Rehab for the wonderful care and support given to Elroy. Memorials may be directed to the Marathon County Humane Society or the Elks Lodge No. 248, Wausau. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com