Lawrence I. Oldenburg

Lawrence Irvin Oldenburg, 100 of La Crosse/Chaseburg was called to his heavenly home on Saturday, October 9, 2021 surrounded by family.  Lawrence was born December 7, 1920 to Charles and Laura (Schlicht) Oldenburg in Vernon County, Harmony Township.  He was baptized January 26, 1921 and confirmed May 13, 1934 at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chaseburg, where he was a lifetime member.

Lawrence married Doris M Proksch on May 1, 1945, at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stoddard.  Their marriage was blessed with 4 children, Kenneth (Sharon) Oldenburg of Stoddard, Carol of La Crosse, Julie (David) Welch of Viroqua, and Charles “Chuck” (Julie) of Chaseburg.

Lawrence lived his life on or near the farm where he was born and raised.  He managed the dairy farm with his wife and with help from their children for many years.  He lived life simply, making do with what he had; though not being opposed to upgrading to new methods and equipment as needed.  He served on the Board of the Chaseburg Co-op Creamery and the Enterprise School District and Community Club. He was a member of the NFO, the Beefalo Association, and the ASCS Association in Viroqua.  In 1984 Lawrence took 1st Place at the 29th Tobacco Exposition in Vernon County.

Throughout his life Lawrence loved to be in the woods: hunting, fishing, and searching for morel mushrooms and hickory nuts. He also loved playing cards (especially solo) and do crafts with his family.  A lifetime member of the Chaseburg Rod and Gun Club, he could be seen helping plant trout, assisting with club activities and frequently selling Vegas Boards at the fish fry’s.

Lawrence and Doris loved to travel around the United States and Europe.   They met many new friends, who still connect with him.  He once said, “I have the best family, friends and neighbors anyone could hope for”.  He enjoyed visiting with them and giving a helping hand when needed.

Family was important to him.  He encouraged his children and grandchildren to pursue their desired career paths.  He loved seeing the grandchildren and great grandchildren grow into their school interests and eventual careers. They are Teresa (Gerardo) Solorio and children Emma, Daniel, and Sara (Tanner) Smith; Troy’s children Tanner, Cassidy and Addysen; Tom Oldenburg and children Brandt and Samantha; Kelly (Michael) Dupasquier and children Jacob and ZoeAnn; Maggie Welch; Benjamin (Jessica) Welch; Jason (Samantha) Frame and children Delayne and Baker; Daniel (Samantha) Frame and children Declan and Paisley.  He is further survived by sister-in-law Ruth Proksch and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Doris, his parents and mother/father-in-law, grandsons Todd and Troy Oldenburg; his siblings(spouses) Irene (Albert) Dahlke, George (Fern) Oldenburg, Raymond (Mildred) Oldenburg, Larry (Mary) Oldenburg; Dorothy (Marvin) Christianson; brothers-in-law Alvin (Joyce) Proksch and William Proksch.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday October 13, 2021 at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chaseburg. Rev. Steven Oldre will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley and at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until service time.  Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chaseburg, Gundersen Lutheran Hospice, or charity of choice.