OBIT: Roger Lavrenz

Roger Lavrenz, age 78 of Burt, passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Burt. Inurnment will take place at Burt Township Cemetery in Burt with Military Honors conducted.

Roger Lee Lavrenz, 78, of Burt, Iowa was born on September 13, 1944. He is preceded in death by his parents Roland “Swede” and Marjory Lavrenz; wife, Marsha (Medved) Lavrenz; brother, Richard Lavrenz and sister-in-law, Tish Lavrenz. He was a remarkable Dad to his three daughters Deena (Lavrenz) Liska, Jessica (Curt) Kiser, and Amanda (Justin) Ricklefs and will be remembered as “Grandpa Rog” to his grandchildren; Raechel, Leeana, Riley, Katherine, Emily, Andrew, and Grayson. Further survived by his brother Floyd, and sisters Karen (Dennis), Loreli (Jim) and Mayme (Bill). Roger will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Roger grew up in Burt, Iowa and graduated from Burt High School. He served in Vietnam and Korea with Company C, 701st Maintenance Battalion, 1st Infantry Division from 1963-66. While serving in the Army he worked as a field radio technician and was recognized for his marksmanship as a sharpshooter. He returned to the States and married the love of his life, Marsha on April 16, 1966. They settled in New Berlin, Wisconsin where he worked at Allis Chalmers and Sytek for many years. They raised their daughters; Deena, Jessie, and Amanda in Wisconsin until Marsha’s passing in 1993. Roger returned to his hometown of Burt with Amanda in 1995 where he remained through the last days of his life. While in Burt he held various jobs, but especially enjoyed working as the custodian of the Burt School. Roger was a man of faith and involved at Elmbrook Church as a youth leader and usher while living in Wisconsin and was active within St. John’s Lutheran Church of Burt for many years. He was a member of the Burt VFW Post 5236. Roger loved “tinkering” and enjoyed much of his time during retirement in his garage building or fixing things. He also loved all things trains and was a lifelong Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers fan. He had a gentle heart and loved animals, frequently visiting the Union Slough to watch the wildlife. Roger was incredibly selfless and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be greatly missed by many.

The family would like to sincerely thank the caregivers who lovingly cared for Roger over the last two years. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be given to the VFW or your local humane society.

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