Obituary – Lawrence Backstrom

Wayne — Lawrence Backstrom, 94, Wayne, died Feb. 14, 2012, at Providence Medical Center, Wayne.

Visitation was Feb. 16 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Wayne.

Funeral services were Feb. 17 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Wayne, with Rev. Bob Oleson officiating.

Honorary pallbearers were Lawrence’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Active pallbearers were Greg Kathol, Lee Johnson, Justin Van Horn, Warren Hanson, Mike Backstrom and Al Hanson.

Interment was in Wakefield Cemetery, Wakefield.

Arrangements were under the direction of Hasemann Funeral Home, Wayne.

Lawrence August John Backstrom was born June 18, 1917, on a farm near Wakefield, to Emil and Lula (Carr) Backstrom. He was baptized and confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church, Wakefield. He attended Wakefield High School. Lawrence married Blanche Johnson, Jan. 5, 1944, at the home of the bride’s parents near Dixon. Lawrence farmed for 74 years, first northwest of Wakefield then southwest of Wayne. They retired to the Oaks Senior Living Community, Wayne.

Lawrence was a past member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, where he served on the Church Council, and at the present time Our Savior Lutheran Church, Wayne. He served on the District #88 School Board and was very active as a 4-H Leader and with the Wayne County Fair. Farming and family were his life.

Lawrence is survived by his wife, Blanche; sons and wives, Verdel and Virginia Backstrom, and Perry and Lesa Backstrom, all of Wayne; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother and wife, Morris and Bernadine Backstrom, Wayne; brother-in-law and wife, John and Helen Hill, Lincoln; and nieces and nephews.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents; son, Duane, in 2005; great-grandson, Kyle Bentjen;  brothers, Franklin (Margaretta) Backstrom and Donald (Leona) Backstrom; and sisters, Jeanette, Hazel (Ted) James, and Ruth Hill.

Memorials may be directed to Benthack Public Library, Wayne.