Lawrence Visger, 83, formerly of Libby

Lawrence Lester Visger, a three-year resident of Colville, Wash., passed away Jan. 15, 2013, in Colville at the age of 83. 

Lawrence was born on Nov. 13, 1929, in Minong, Wis., the son of John LeRoy Visger and Margaret V. (Bickel) Nelson. He also shared a special bond with his step-father, Otto C. Nelson.

Lawrence was raised in Minong where he attended school and began high school. Lawrence then began working until his enlistment in the U.S. Army at the age of 17. His enlistment began a 20-year career in service to his country. 

After his first three-year enlistment, Lawrence was honorably discharged and worked for a short time in the private sector. He soon discovered his work in the military more fulfilling and re-enlisted for an additional 17 years. Lawrence served in many capacities and roles while in the Army, but always favored his time in the field with his platoon whether leading the charge or following. 

In 1968, he was again honorably discharged and retired to Libby where he joined his family. His first retirement was short-lived for he took employment at the J. Neils Lumber Co. shortly after his arrival to Libby. As a faithful parishioner of the Libby Church of the Nazarene, he spent many hours assisting as the treasurer and groundskeeper. 

While at the church, he met Edna Rene Moody. Their friendship led to marriage in 1976. Lawrence retired for the second time in 1984 from the timber industry and began traveling with Edna. In 2007, he was diagnosed with palsy and began a gradual digression in health. He and Edna moved to Colville in 2009 and enjoyed their time with family.

Lawrence and Edna made many trips across the U.S. to attend military reunions and visit family and friends. They also enjoyed the outdoors, hiking and fishing. Lawrence shared in many outdoor adventures with his children in both their childhood and as adults. He was always physically fit and gave great attention to living a healthy lifestyle. 

He read countless books and spent an untold amount of time in his garden. Lawrence raised a large garden with the intent to share his harvest with friends and neighbors. His tireless devotion to God and volunteerism to the church also included role as the Sunday school bus driver for several of the 40 year of church service.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his wife, Edna in June 2012, a brother, Elmer Visger, a sister, Peggy Johnson, brother-in-law, Lloyd Elliott and brother-in-law, John W. Johnson.

Lawrence is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Bell and her husband, Wayne, of Colville, Wash.; son, John Visger and his wife, Darlene, Colville, Wash.; step-daughters, Sandra Anderson and her husband, Roy, of Pasco, Wash., Callie Cash and her husband, David, of Stanwood, Wash.; grandchildren Marshall Visger, Mandy Smith, Kelly Hall and husband, Aaron, Tracie Colby, Jordan Colby and wife, Gena, Noah and Jadah Bell, Tanya Bell, Nicole Duszynski, and Tonya Neuman; sisters Patsy Elliot, of Libby, Beverly Johnson, Kalispell; sister-in-law, Mary E. Johnson, Libby; sister-in-law, Violet Visger, brother, Floyd Visger and his wife, Edna, Moundsview, Minn., five great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephew and cousins.

He is fondly remembered as Ole, or Uncle Ole by family and friends, and always answered to “Sarge.”

A memorial service for Lawrence will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, at the Libby Church of the Nazarene in Libby. 

An ash committal will be held at a later date at Libby Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of your choice. 

Persons may visit the on-line memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. 

Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.