Lawrence Joseph Stassen

Lawrence Joseph Stassen was born on April 1, 1928, on a farm near Ghent, MN. He was the fifth of six children born to Joseph and Mary (Boerboom) Stassen. He attended country school District 21 through the eighth grade. Lawrence then worked for neighboring farmers for a time before he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Lawrence served during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, he returned home. On September 26, 1956, he was united in marriage to Beverly Sommerfield. Lawrence helped on the family farm and the couple made their home in Ghent until purchasing a farm and moving to Walnut Grove in 1967. They raised livestock and crop farmed until retiring in 1990. Lawrence then drove semi for SyAnn Farms and Landuyt Farms until retiring from this job in 2007. The couple moved to Hill Street Place in 2016, and Boulder Estates in 2018. Lawrence was an active member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Walnut Grove and was a 74 year member of the Walnut Grove Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council. He enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, fishing, Rolle Bolle and playing cards. Lawrence was very social and enjoyed his post retirement time in Marshall. He served as an advisor at Hill Street Place, was a member and Past Commander of the U.S. American Legion in Walnut Grove and served on the Elevator Board in Walnut Grove. Faith and Family were the most important in his life. He was always readily available to help those in need. Lawrence died on Saturday, February 27, 2021, at the Avera Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, of Marshall, children Karen (and Greg) Lanoue of Tracy, Steven (and Jane) Stassen of Kerkhoven, Eileen (and Ron) Noram of Garvin, Ellen Stassen Monshaugen (and Alan Monshaugen) of Walnut Grove, grandchildren John (and Katie) Lanoue, Katie (and Brian) Siemonsma, Laura (and Scott) Sonne, Michele (and Scott) Wagner, Scott Lanoue, Amber Stassen, Kimberly (and Brad) Neumann, Steph Stassen and Matthew Stassen, 14 great-grandchildren and one due in April. Also survived by his sister Rita Van Dorpe of Minneota and sister-in-law Louise Stassen of Marshall and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Clarence and Eugene (Margaret) Stassen and sisters Theresa (Nick) Kerkvliet and Helen (Jim) Clark, brother-in-law Ed Van Dorpe and nieces Colleen Lindstrom and Barb Verthein.