Age 61 of St. Paul

Lawrence passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 10th, 2024. Survived by parents, Don and Caroline; siblings, James (Cathy), Michelle, Jason (Maija) and Heather Svenson (Mike); sons, Nick and Lawrence Jr. and their mother, Gina Ricci; grandchildren, Isabelle, Jonathan and Abby; many nephews and nieces. Preceded in death by grandparents, Gertie and Albert Hengel, Leah and Nick Besky.

Lawrence had a rich and blessed life. He was involved in the Boy Scouts, enjoyed camping, his trip to Philmont and playing in the Drum and Bugle Corps. He attended Johnson High School in Saint Paul and the University of Minnesota. Lawrence was a hard worker and held many jobs. Lawrence proudly served in the Army National Guard for 16 years including honors with the Army National Guard rifle team.

Lawrence loved working on classic cars. He restored, bought, sold, repaired and traded cars and car parts with many friends.

Lawrence was very close to his family. He enjoyed playing cards and games, going to church, watching movies, fishing with his dad, car shows including the Back to the 50’s at the fairgrounds, visiting the zoo, attending the MN State Fair, building model airplanes and cars, and listening to the Beach Boys. He loved and was proud of his sons, Nick and Lawrence Jr., and happy to be a grandpa to three beautiful grandchildren.

Lawrence was diagnosed with MS and battled this disease for 34 years. He enjoyed attending the MS Achievement Center Day program where he made many friends. He also spent many summers at MS Camp.

Lawrence was a faithful man, a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Saint Paul. We recently found a church home at Prince of Peace in Burnsville.

Lawrence was a resilient, strong, hardworking, faithful, funny and loving man.

We were blessed to be part of Lawrence’s life and he will be dearly missed.

Funeral Service 11:00 am Wednesday, March 27th at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 13801 Fairview Dr., Burnsville, MN with visitation from 10-11am prior to service. Luncheon to follow service at church.  Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

Thank you to all the staff who provided loving care to Lawrence including Integrity Living Options Group Home, Eriksmoen Cottages Group Home, Ebenezer Ridges Care Center and Accent Care Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Fairview MS Achievement Center. Checks can be made out and mailed to:

University of Minnesota Foundation
P.O. Box 860266
Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266

In the memo line, write: Fairview Achievement Center #23692

Direct Link to make an on-line donation: Fairview MS Achievement Center Memorial