Laurence Albert Vacek, 91Free Access


Laurence Albert Vacek, son of Albert and Clara (Hayek) Vacek, was born on Friday, July 31, 1931, in Jackson, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. Wenseslaus Catholic Church in Jackson. Laurence attended and graduated from Jackson schools in 1949. Upon graduation, he joined and served in the National Guards during the Korean War. In 1954, Laurence was united in marriage to Emma Nelson. While this union later dissolved, they were blessed with 2 children Kathleen and Mark. Laurence farmed in the Alpha area. In 1960, he relocated to California. Laurence was united in marriage to Lorene Scott in 1969, and gained 4 stepchildren, Jerry, Terry, Emery, and Mary. He worked full-time for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier in California until his retirement. He volunteered at the senior centers in Jackson and California, receiving the Presidential Acknowledgement for his volunteer work. In 1999, Laurence moved back to Jackson to help care for his mother Clara. On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, Laurence passed away peacefully, at the age of 91 years, 5 months, and 24 days.

Laurence was a very caring and outgoing gentleman. In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling and was in the local bowling league. Laurence had a vegetable garden that he tended to. While in California, he had his ranch, consisting of horses, cows, pigs, chickens, and any other farm animals. Laurence was a plane enthusiast and attended numerous air shows. He enjoyed going fishing, especially with his family. Laurence was quiet, but enjoyed visiting with the Burger King crowd, and individuals at the senior centers, and loved talking with his family on the phone. He was dependable and dedicated to each and everything he did. Laurence enjoyed helping his friend out fixing appliances at his store. Having a heart of gold, he made sure that he was never putting anyone else out. Laurence’s smile, caring nature, and love will be cherished by his family, and friends forever.

Laurence is survived by his daughter Kathleen Gruhlke of Iowa; stepchildren Jerry (Sheree) Cooper of Idaho, Emery Frank of California, Mary (Randy) Conway of California, and Terry (Tim) Martin of California; 30 plus grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Kathleen’s mother Emma Simmering, along with many other relatives and friends.

Laurence is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Clara, son Mark Vacek, brother Raymond Vacek, son-in-law Douglas Gruhlke, wife Lorene Scott, a grandson, and a great-grandson.

Blessed be the memory of Laurence Albert Vacek.

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