Lawrence Villars

Villars, Lawrence Dee age 82, of Chaska, Minnesota, passed on peacefully surrounded by family on August 31, 2010 at North Memorial Residential Hospice, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Born August 8, 1928 in Tecumseh, Nebraska on the eve of the Great Depression. Before graduating from high school he reached the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. Serving as a leader in scouting set him on the life path of serving his country, his family and his faith. Graduated University of Nebraska, Lincoln with a B.S. in Education in 1950 and M.A. in 1952. While at the University of Nebraska he enjoyed both the challenges of his academic work and the rigors of playing Cornhusker football. In 1952 he completed US Navy Officer Candidate School, Newport, R.I. While serving on active duty he visited ports of call throughout Japan and the Far East. After active duty he joined the Naval Reserves as an officer and after 37 years retired in 1988 as Commander Lawrence D. Villars. He taught secondary education in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Robbinsdale, Minnesota (29 years), retiring in 1985 as assistant principal at Hosterman Junior High School in New Hope, Minnesota. He enjoyed slapstick humor, fishing, hunting, golfing, woodworking and later in his life world travel. His great passion in life was fishing, and he never stopped pursuing the elusive Walleye. He was a man of few words and lots of wisdom. Larry had deep love and loyalty for his family and friends. He faced his passing as he lived the rest of his life, with great courage and secure faith. With great sorrow but fond memories we send him on his journey. Surely he is already teaching St. Peter to put away his nets and use a rod and reel as they fish the heavens together. Married to Betty A. Guidinger December 16, 1949. Married to Betty Jane Jones October 11, 1991. Preceded in death by his father Harry Seward Villars and his mother Ethyl Robb Villars, his wife Betty Ann Guidinger Villars, brothers Charles E. Villars & Robert H. Villars, and sister Ellyn L. Holden. He is survived by his wife Betty Jane Jones of Chaska, Minnesota; daughter Mary J. Villars Gerber (Joseph) of Menomonie, Wisconsin; daughter Monica A. Villars of Willmar, Minnesota; grandson Brenden L. Gerber of Minneapolis, Minnesota; step-grandchildren Steven D. Gerber (Tammy) of White Bear Lake, Minnesota and Elena J. Gerber (Mike Foley) of Minneapolis, Minnesota; step-son James Brandser (Kim) of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; step-granddaughters Hayley, Hannah and Sophie Brandser of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; his twin brother Henry Bruce Villars (Charlene) of Minden, Nebraska, sister-in-law Helen E. Villars of Golden Valley, Minnesota; and countless nieces, nephews and friends. A celebration and thanksgiving for Larry's life will be held Saturday, September 4, 2010, 2 pm at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, West 50th Street & Vernon Ave. at Highway 100, Edina, MN. Rev. Harry Maghakian (Andrew Riverside Presbyterian Church) officiating. Visitation one hour prior to service, at 1 pm. Refreshments following the service. Private graveside service at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Lincoln, Nebraska will be held at a later date. Memorials preferred to ARK, a non-profit organization sponsored by Andrew Riverside Presbyterian Church. ARK, c/o Andrew Riverside Presbyterian Church, 1316 Fourth Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55414. ARK exists to empower, unite and help equip globally diverse youth to become Architects of a culture of peace, through building Relationships, expanding Knowledge, and constructing their new roadmap for peace. arkforpeace.org Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

Lawrence Villars

September 2, 2010

Tributes

Lawrence Villars

September 2, 2010

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