Lawrence Slater

In Loving Remembrance Lawrence Edward Slater, Age 71, died early Saturday, January 29, 2011 in his sleep at the Manilla Manor in Manilla, IA, releasing him from the pain and suffering of multiple health concerns. Lawrence was born May 16, 1939 to Frank and Edna (Peters) Slater, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, IA. Lawrence spent his entire childhood in the Denison community, attending school until the 10th grade. DeIt was early in the year of 1957 when Lawrence met the love of his life, Mary Lois Mason. The couple was married on July 28, 1957 in Deloit, IA. Lawrence and Mary then made their residence in Denison. Lawrence worked at the Corn Built factory in Denison from 1957 – 1961, during which time he and Mary were blessed with Bradley an (February 9, 1958) and Cheryl Lynn (September 15, 1959). In March of 1961 Lawrence became one of the first hires at the new I.B.P. plant in Denison. Their family continued to grow with the additions of Kenneth Edward (October 10, 1961), Sandra Kay (April 24, 1962), and Marty John (July 29, 1964). Lawrence continued working at the plant until 1994 when he retired due to failing health. Lawrence was very passionate about his hobbies: gardening, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. In his downtime he listened to KDSN’s polka party daily, and enjoyed napping in his chair after Mary’s wonderful meals. Perhaps his most notable activity was his gardening. Lawrence had gardens of all varieties, all across Crawford County. If you gave him a patch, he’d certainly fill it. He has made headlines several times for his gardens, from donating pumpkins to the elementary school when his grandchildren attended, and even for growing one of the largest pumpkins known to Iowa: a one hundred eighty-five pound behemoth that he had a big smiley face painted on. His walls at home were also decorated with some of his other prize catches: several large mouth bass, deer, pheasants, and photos of him and Mary and all grandchildren. After he was no longer able to garden, he passed time by making his rounds daily to most local grocery and convenience stores exercising that wonderful gift of gab. It was November of 2009 when Lawrence moved to the Manilla Manor, as his medical needs were too much to handle at home. Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Edna. Lawrence is survived by his loving wife Mary of Denison, three sons: Bradley and wife Ann of Dunlap; Kenneth and Marty, both of Denison; two daughters: Cheryl Upton and husband Roger of Manilla; and Sandra Schiltz and husband Dennis of Denison; one brother: Francis and wife Barbara of Bellevue, NE; 13 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. “If you require a monument, look around you.” Sir Christopher Wren’s tomb St. Paul’s Cathedral Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 3, 2011, at the United Presbyterian Church in Denison, IA with Pastor Richard Francis officiating and Jordan Schiltz offering the eulogy. Music for the service included recorded selections of “Amazing Grace”, “Grandpa” and “Remember When”. Marilynn Jepsen served as organist. Honorary Pallbearers included Jordan Schiltz, Marcus Upton, Bradley Slater, Roger Upton, Kenneth Slater and Dennis Schiltz. Pallbearers were Joey Slater, Josh Slater, Jason Schiltz, Matthew Upton, Mienda Upton, Michael Hansen, Sandon Slater and Marty Slater. Interment was at Crawford Heights Memory Gardens in Denison. Following the interment all were invited to return to the church and join the family for fellowship and a meal served by the United Presbyterian Women.