Tjossem, Lawrence 1929 - 2023
TJOSSEM, MOFFIT, WHITE, COOPER, MARDOCK, WELLS, RUEN, MYCHAJLYSYN
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 4/14/2023 at 16:22:34
Lawrence Tjossem, 93, of Decorah, passed away April 4, 2023, at Barthell Eastern Star Assisted Living in Decorah.
Lawrence grew up on a farm in the Quaker community of Mapleside, positioned between Paullina and Primghar in northwest Iowa. His parents, Merle and Ellen Moffitt Tjossem, raised him within the Quaker tradition of a non-pastoral Meeting for Worship, speaking the “plain language” of “thee” and “thy.” He lived his life exemplifying this influence for truth, peace, equality and social justice. He approached others with the operating principle of “there is that of God in each one,” respecting and defending the underdog and the down-trodden.
Lawrence attended part of high school in Paullina, where he excelled in academics, sports and music. He then followed the family tradition of attending Olney Friends School in Barnesville, Ohio. This environment was a welcomed experience where he found those of common heritage and beliefs. He proceeded to William Penn College in Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he studied business administration. This is where he met his future wife, Kathryn White.
At this time, he was of the age to register for the draft. Because he was a life-long Quaker he was automatically afforded a Conscientious Objector status, along with those from the Mennonite and Brethren denominations. He would have had the opportunity to work in a hospital or place of community benefit. Lawrence believed that anyone, not just those from designated “peace churches,” should be able to choose, according to their conscience, whether to register for the draft. He did not register. Because of this conviction he served nine months in the federal prison in Springfield, Mo.
He married Kathryn in 1950 and farmed for a short while with his father in Paullina. They moved to Decorah where Lawrence worked for his father-in-law, Bernard White, for White Transport. Lawrence attended Luther College and built the family home of 72 years. Lawrence and Kathryn raised four children: Judy, Cindy, Greg, and Steve, They supported and complemented each other in all aspects of their life together.
Lawrence played an integral role in the establishment and on-going success of Hawkeye Stages, providing leadership for 55 years, working with his sisters-in-law, Bunni White Cooper and Myrna White Mardock, his brothers-in-law, Ed Wells and Marv Cooper, and other family members. His influence continues to this day. After retirement he enjoyed the opportunity to return to his roots, farming again on his Christmas tree farm, Evergreen Hills.
Lawrence was active in the Hesper Friends Church, with Quakerdale Hornes in New Providence, Iowa, as president of the board for many years, and in the Decorah Lions Club.
Lawrence provided wise counsel to his family and many who knew him. He enjoyed engaging in conversation with friends and strangers alike. He showed interest in each person’s life story and beliefs. His on-going enjoyment in life was being with Kathryn.
Those who passed before are his wife of 55 years, Kathryn; his parents and siblings; Kathryn’s parents, Bernard and Ruth White; two brothers-in-law: Ed Wells and Keith Mardock; sister-in-law Theresa Wells; his young great-grandson, Kaden; and son-in-law, Ron Ruen.
Those who continue are his children: Judy Tjossem, Chetek, Wis., Cindy (Roman) Tjossem Mychajlysyn, Greg (Karen) Tjossem, Steve (Kari) Tjossem, all of Decorah; grandchildren: Shaun (Jill) Tjossem, Richland Center, Wis., Logan (Jaime) Tjossem, Chetek, Andrew (Alli) Tjossem, Eagan, Minn., Kirsten Tjossem and Tanner (Mollie) Tjossem, Decorah; great-grandchildren: Rylee, Carley, Grace, Gabriel, Gavin, Kaelyn, Henrik, Iver and Evelyn.
There is no memorial service. lnurnment for the family will be at a later date. Donations may be given to NE Iowa Peace and Justice Center, Helping Services or another organization for peace and social justice in the world.
The family thanks the staff and residents of Barthell Eastern Star Assisted Living for their love and care.
Source: Decorah Newspapers April 8, 2023
Hesper Public Cemetery
Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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