Lawrence Joseph Krachmer, 94, passed away Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, at Comforcare Good Samaritan Rest Home.

Lawrence was born in Austin, Minn., on Jan. 8, 1919, the son of Frank Joseph and Lillian (Hanson) Krachmer. Lawrence was married to Edith Mildred (Ellis) Krachmer on Jan. 15, 1938, in Austin, Minn. They just celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary.

He worked at Hormel for nearly 40 years, and was also a carpenter, working both jobs full-time for 40 years. He built many new homes in the Austin area and remodeled many more.

Lawrence was a member of the VFW, American Legion and Moose Club. He and Millie loved to dance, and seldom missed a weekend dance at one of the local dance halls, or clubs.

He was a great fan of the Minnesota Twins, and enjoyed bowling, golfing, making crafts in his workshop, playing scrabble, card games and spending time with this family.

Surviving are his wife, Millie; a son, Lanny (Karen); daughters, Janet (Christopher) Thisssen, Janice (Perrigo) and Steve, JoAnne (Clark) and Ken of Austin, and Melody (Mark) Handalen, Ramstein AFB, Germany; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Laverne, Francis, Robert; and sister, Florence (Ted) Johnson.

A celebration of his life for family and friends will be held at the Courtyard Apartments Community Room, 310 Second Ave. NE on Sunday, Feb. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m.