Lawrence Majerus

Lawrence "Larry" S. Majerus, 95, of Ottawa passed away Thursday, May 28, 2015 at OSF St. Elizabeth Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be 2:00 pm Monday, June 1, 2015 at St. Columba Church with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm Monday prior to Mass at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Ottawa Avenue Cemetery with Military Honors. Lawrence was born December 20, 1919 in Defiance, Iowa to Nicklas and Elizabeth (Von Tersch) Majerus. He married Mary Perkins Goetz on July 4, 1963 in Ottawa, Illinois. Larry proudly served his country during WWII as a member of the United States Coast Guard from 1940 to 1946. During his years of military service he was a feather weight boxer and was the recipient of the Golden Glove Award. Following his retirement from Libby Owens Ford in 1980, Larry and his wife traveled extensively throughout the United States for several years. Eventually, they made their way back to Ottawa to be near family. Larry enjoyed spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren grow. He was an avid White Sox fan, enjoyed wrestling, and Lawrence Welk. He also enjoyed gardening, fishing, auctions, and spending time with his pet cow "Babe". Many people may remember Larry and his wife, Mary, when they had the Pumpkin Patch north of Ottawa or the years he worked at Handy Foods after his retirement. He loved greeting people and was always teasing his family and friends. He will be sadly missed. He was a member of St. Columba Church and the American Legion. He was also a life member of the VFW and Disabled Veterans. He also served two terms as past commander at the VFW. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; nine children, Leo (Julie) Majerus of FL, Michael (Amy) Majerus of NV, Diane Harrison of AZ, Ed (Janice) Goetz of IL, Char Bragg of IL, Marcella (Keith) Franks of IN, Jim (Erin) Majerus of IL, Len (Tina) Goetz of IL, and Larry (Jackie) Majerus of IL; 26 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; one sister, Veronica Baker of MO and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Donna Burden, eleven siblings, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Pallbearers will be his grandsons. In lieu of flowers, the family requests Memorials to be directed to St. Columba Church Restoration Fund or to Wounded Warrior Project.