Rev. Lawrence Everett Martin, 91, of Apple Valley, passed away Sunday, May 31. He was born January 11, 1924 in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin to Russell and Grace (nee Parker) Martin. Lawrence is survived by his wife Frances (Fran); daughter Krista Martin, son Joel (Lisa) Martin; granddaughters Lydia and Sylvia Martin; and brother Paul (Mary) Martin. He was preceded in death by his parents; son Brian; and siblings Don, Lee, Robert, Blanche, and Audrey. Lawrence most recently served as a Pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) St. Paul Synod. He graduated from Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1958. He was also educated at McCormick Theological Seminary and graduated from Lake Forest College. He served a number of parishes, notably Grace Lutheran Church, Oberlin, Ohio and The University of Toronto Lutheran Chapel, Toronto.

Lawrence is a WWII veteran, honorably discharged in 1946 as a signalman 1st class, U.S. Navy having served n the Pacific and North African theatres on a number of vessels, including USS Relief, USS Winsooki, USS Salem, USS Penetrate and USS Bandera. He enlisted before the war at age 16. He is remembered as a daredevil child inclined to outdoor adventures in Wisconsin year-round and getting himself into typical boyhood troubles.

Lawrence was a talented singer and avid music lover. He learned to play the harmonica in the service and often warmed up his voice on Sunday morning playing harmonica and singing ballads from the 40s. He loved to read and awoke most mornings early to read and prepare sermons, or add a few pages to his great American novel. He was a a proud and loving father who cheered his children’s independence and confidence. Lawrence was a thinker, writer and an outspoken man who loved the Church deeply. He will be forever loved and treasured. Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:30 AM Thursday, June 4 at Grace Lutheran Church of Apple Valley, 7800 150th Street West, Apple Valley. Interment with Honors will follow in Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials to Lifeworks are preferred www.lifeworks.org .