Badje, Lawrence J. (1932-2011)
BADJE, THOVSON, GERDIS, IRONS, HEAD
Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 8/7/2011 at 23:53:31
Lawrence J Badje
(March 7, 1932 - June 22, 2011)Lawrence J. Badje, 79, of Buffalo Center, passed away at his home in Buffalo Center on Wednesday morning, June 22, 2011.
Lawrence James Badje was born March 7, 1932, in rural Buffalo Center, Iowa, to John, Sr., and Lena Badje. He was confirmed at and was a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church in Rake, Iowa. After earning his high school diploma, he joined the Army on February 13, 1953, later serving our country honorably in the Korean War.
Before he left for the service, he met Janice Thovson at the roller skating rink. While in the service, he began a letter writing campaign which eventually led to their marriage on February 18, 1956.
He farmed, but was best known for his many tasks out at Gruis Recreation, commonly known as The Barn; he served twenty-one years as a beloved mentor to many employees and confidante to whoever walked through the doors. He touched many lives in a positive way, always knowing everyone’s name and always having time for a visit. At church, he willingly served as an usher and trustee.
He had four grandchildren who loved him dearly. He always valued their visits with Grandpa and made sure they were well-fed and cuddled.
He moved from the family home, where he was born and raised, “to town” in 2001. He was often seen sitting outside his garage waving at folks to come by for a visit, mowing his lawn, or still going to the farm, often on a daily basis.Forever cherishing his memory are: his wife of fifty-five years, Janice, of Buffalo Center; his son, Jim, and his wife, Kandy, of Buffalo Center; his daughter, Lyn, and her husband, Michael Gerdis, of Apple Valley, Minnesota; his four grandchildren: Stetson Badje and Alyssa, Jaden, and Abby Gerdis; his three brothers: John, and his wife, Arelli, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Carl, and his special friend, Joanne Leesch, of Blue Earth, Minnesota, and Joe, and his wife, Mary, of Rake; and his two sisters: Bertha Irons and Josie Head, both of Buffalo Center; as well as many nieces, nephews and good friends.
Lawrence will forever be known for his warm welcoming greetings and friendly personality. Farming in our hearts forever, he will be missed by many.
Thank you dad.
Services will be Saturday, June 25, 2011, at Zion Lutheran Church in Rake, Iowa, at 1:00 PM with Pastor Terry Mahnke officiating. Burial will be at Olena Mound Cemetery in Buffalo Center, Iowa.
Visitation will be Friday, June 24, 2011, at Zion Lutheran Church in Rake, Iowa, from 5:00-8:00 PM.
Copyright © 2011, Winter Funeral Home and Cremation Service
Winnebago Obituaries maintained by Cheryl Siebrass.
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