LAWRENCE A. GAUL, age 89, of Ellsworth, died Sunday, August 30, 2015, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. He was born August 27, 1926, in Granville, IA, to Lambert and Teresa Gaul. He attended St. Mary Catholic School in Ellsworth. Lawrence entered the United States Army in November of 1944 and served his country during WWII, receiving the American Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, two Overseas Service Bars and the Army of Occupation Medal, before being honorably discharged in August of 1946.
In 1945, Lawrence met Inge Ruhofer at a dance, in Germany, while he was stationed there at the end of WWII. The couple was married on September 25, 1947, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Ellsworth. After their marriage, they lived north of Ellsworth. In 1949, they moved to their current home in Ellsworth. Lawrence worked as a carpenter for Pat Olson's construction business in Ellsworth. He later worked for Peterson Construction in Rock Rapids, IA, the city of Ellsworth, Standard Oil and a bulk route in Ellsworth, Becker Lumber Yard in Adrian and Great Plains Supply in Ellsworth. After his retirement, Lawrence drove school bus in Ellsworth and worked as a custodian at St. Mary Catholic Church.
He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Ellsworth; and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed working with wood and watching the Minnesota Twins.
Lawrence is survived by his son, Richard (Connie) Gaul, Ellsworth; daughter, Ramona (Jerry) Rupp, Andover; seven grandchildren, Wendy (Darrick) Heikes, Christine Rupp, Allen (Kim) Gaul, Anthony (Sadye) Rupp, Tammy (Shane) Kindt, Brandi Gaul & Craig (Andrea) Gaul; and eleven great grandchildren, Brandon, Sadie, Alexandria, Talia, Amber, Jace, Taden, Levi, Lukas, Lauren & William and one baby boy on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Inge on April 20, 2011; and three brothers, Alvin, Jim & Jerome Gaul.
Visitation will be from 5-8 pm Wednesday, with parish prayers at 7:30, at St. Mary Catholic Church; and one hour prior to the serevice at the church on Thursday. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am Thursday at St. Mary Catholic Church, in Ellsworth, officiated by Fr. Thomas Jennings. Burial will be in the St. Mary Cemetery in Ellsworth.
Dingmann Funeral Home, in Ellsworth, is assisting the family with arrangements.
To view an online obituary, sign a virtual register book or order flowers, please visit www.dingmannandsons.com

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