Laurence Sowles

Sowles, Laurence H. March 15, 1923 - July 14, 2009 Age 86, of Mpls, died peacefully at home in the care of his family. Born in Mpls to Cecil & Selma Sowles, he graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1941. He enlisted and served in the Pacific as a Marine Corps pilot, flying Corsairs in WWII. Following the war, he served as a missionary pilot in and around China. Larry returned home and began a challenging and rewarding career in the steel erecting business. Larry contended with the challenges of a tough business, while maintaining his strong Christian principles. He was a model of generosity and had great insight into long-term business development. Sowles Company, now in its 47th year, played a major role in thousands of construction projections, notably much of the Twin Cities skyline. Larry was a founding partner in the Ironworkers Apprenticeship Program, Health & Pension Funds, and knew he had true friends among their ranks. With this partnership, Larry was able to help many people find meaningful work in the construction business or use their experience on the path to another career. In 1945 he married Coralis Waylander. His life centered around faith and family. Together they were active in their church, Bible Camp and missions. Larry's relationship with God and being a husband, father and grandfather were what he treasured most. His life exemplified faith in God, generosity and service to others. His influence is felt by many. He always came through, said yes, and helped make it happen. Larry was preceded in death by infant granddaughter, Anna and brother-in-law, Paul Larson. Survived by wife of 63 years, Coralis; children, Carolyn (James) Struve, Cynthia (Steven) Betzler, Charlene (Jack) Romsaas and Daniel (Julie); 13 grandchildren, Emily (Chris) Woodall, Laura (Brad) Hanson, Naomi Struve, Linnea (Brian) Mirsch, Colin (Emily) Betzler, Bjorn Betzler, Rachel (Nathan) Bode, Erik (Kiki) Romsaas, Sara Romsaas, Kaaren (John) Dahl, Esther, Elsa and Greta Sowles; great-grandchildren, Olaf and Orson Woodall; sisters, Donna (Winston) Lowrie and Betty Larson; brother, James (Lois); nieces & nephews. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to Trinity Lutheran Church, WMPL, or donor's choice. Interment Ft. Snelling Cemetery, Friday, 10:15 AM, Lane #4, followed by 11:30 AM Memorial Service at Trinity Lutheran Church of Minnehaha Falls, 5212 41st Ave S. Visitation Thursday, 5-8 PM at: Washburn-McReavy Nokomis Park Chapel 612-721-1651 1838 E. Minnehaha Pkwy, Mpls

Tributes

Laurence Sowles

July 16, 2009

Tributes

Laurence Sowles

July 16, 2009

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