Lawrence Otto Croes was born on September 4, 1923 in White Bear Lake, Minnesota the son of William and Anna Croes. He grew up in White Bear Lake and farmed with his father on a farm, which was where the Maplewood Mall now stands. On February 22, 1949 he was united in marriage to Mavis Severson and to this union six children were born. In 1950 they moved to a farm near Deer Park, Wisconsin. He suffered a massive stroke at his home and was taken to United Hospital in St. Paul where he died on Wednesday, January 6, 1999 at the age of 75 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Dolores Bibeau; brothers Andrew, Leo, Clarence and Joseph. Left to mourn are his wife Mavis of Deer Park; children Jerry and Char Croes of Deer Park, Bob and Dixie Croes of Clear Lake, Carol and Jim DeYoung of New Richmond, Kate and Don Cloutier of Osceola, Jo Croes of New Richmond and Larry Croes of Deer Park; nine grandchildren; brothers Fritz (Arlene) Croes of St. Paul, Jim Croes of White Bear Lake, Mike (Florence) Croes of New Richmond, Gregory Croes of St. Paul; sister Theresa Colberg of Stillwater, MN; sisters-in-law Mary Croes of Minneapolis, Dorothy Croes of White Bear Lake, Emily Croes of Spring Valley, WI, Mary Bergman of Cedar Lake; brother and sister-in-law John and Ruth Severson of Deer Park. He also leaves nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held on Monday, January 11, 1999 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in New Richmond with Pastor Robert Weidmayer officiating. Soloist was Jeanine Carlson. Organist was Karen Volkert. Casketbearers were Jeff Croes, Bill DeYoung, Mark Cloutier, Cindy Croes, Tim DeYoung, Troy Croes, Darren Croes, Julie Croes and Amy Cloutier. Interment was at the Calvary Cemetery in Deer Park with the Williamson Funeral Home of Amery in charge of arrangements.
(Clear Lake Museum Chronicle)
