Lawrence Lynch
March 14, 1936 ~ November 5, 2024
Lawrence Lynch, 88, of Highmore, passed away Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at the Highmore Health.
Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 8, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Highmore, with Monsignor Charles Mangan, celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Highmore. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the funeral Mass.
Lawrence H. Lynch was born on March 14, 1936, to Leo L. and Florence (Kelley) Lynch in Highmore, South Dakota.
On February 9, 1959, Lawrence married Shirley Parker, and together they shared many happy years riding his motorcycle and celebrating family gatherings. Their greatest joy came on December 29, 1976, with the birth of their daughter, Laurie Ann. As she grew, Lawrence delighted in attending her music performances, camps, concerts, and school programs. He was a proud father when she married Barry Hayes on June 14, 2003. Lawrence and Shirley recently celebrated 65 years of marriage on February 9, 2024.
Lawrence was a dedicated and valued worker throughout his life. His career included roles with Tompkins OK Service, Kiel Implement, and Leonard Iron Works, before joining Pioneer Garage in 1964, where Clarence Busse hired him to set up farm machinery. After 38 years of service, he was honored by Jan Busse with a Ford Taurus as a tribute to his commitment to the company.
Lawrence had a deep love for the land and nature. From a young age, he worked alongside his father doing custom baling with a team of horses, eventually developing extensive expertise in baler operations. Known for his helpful spirit, Lawrence especially enjoyed supporting truckers by efficiently loading and unloading with his forklift, always ensuring they were quickly back on the road.
Lawrence will be remembered for his kind heart, his dedication to his work, and his love for family and nature. His memory will be cherished by those who knew him.
Those grateful to have shared in Lawrence’s life is his wife of 65 years, Shirley of Highmore; daughter, Laurie (Barry) Hayes of Rapid City; sister, Patricia Calvetti of Rapid City; nieces, nephews, and other family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Gordon and Olive Parker; and siblings: Charlotte Roalstad, Katherine Ortmeier, Marllys Cermak, Guen Etta Axtmann, John Abernathy, Kenneth Abernathy, George Abernathy, Joseph Abernathy, Raphael (Bud) Lynch, and Leo E. (Bunk) Lynch.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Lawrence's arrangements.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I’m sorry that I will not be able to make it back for the service, but I just want to write to tell you what a huge positive influence Lawrence was in my life. He was a great man, friend, teacher and mentor and I learned so much from him while working with him at Pioneer Garage. He had, and I learned, that anything could be accomplished through common sense and a strong work ethic. I have many great memories from the time we worked together.
Jeff Morford
My prayers and sympathy go out to Shirley and Lori! Lawrence was such a wonderful man. He was a kind, quiet, respectful and hard working soul. When I was a young girl I remember always seeing Lawrence in his cowboy hat with a feather and his big grin. He had a quiet and kind voice when he would talk to me. Always interested in what I was up to in my young life. He and Shirley had such a special close bond and always enjoyed each others company. He has gone ahead of her now where he no longer has anymore pain or confusion, and is finding the best places to share with her when they meet again. You will be missed but rest for now.
Shirley, Lori & Barry,
We are so sorry for the loss in your lives of a great man. We will always have fond memories of Lawrence and our trip to South Dakota. Our deepest sympathy.
Love,
Pat, Matt & Nichole
So sorry for your loss Lynch Family. Worked with Lawrence on machinery repair and setup on my father's farm. He wouldn't quit until everything was just right. We are all at a loss of a talented and patient man.
R I P
A wonderful Uncle, full of fun and pranks and laughs! He introduced me to "tiger meat" and Cow Tails. One of my favorite memories was turning off the lights, walking down the hallway, and anticipating which doorway he was hiding in to jump out and scare us.
He was the best motorcycle tuneup guy a 12 year old kid in Highmore ever had.