Robert Lauritzen

Robert Andrew Lauritzen, age 89, of Austin, died Thursday, February 4, 2010 at the Austin Medical Center after a short illness. Robert was born July 1, 1920 in Morristown, Minnesota to Walter and Minnie (Meyer) Lauritzen. He was raised in Austin and attended Austin High School. Bob served in World War II from 1943 to 1945. In 1948 he was united in marriage to Jeanne Maloney. In 1958 Bob was on the Fast Pitch Softball AA Championship team. In 1993 he was inducted into the Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame and in 1999 the Austin High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Bob was an employee of Hormel Foods for 42 1/2 years, having worked in the Beef Cooler as a beef lugger. After retirement, Bob took up golf and he had many years of fun golfing with his brother-in-law, Eddie Vaith. Survivors include his wife, Jeanne Lauritzen, Austin; children, Susan Frank, Austin, Mary (Jerry) Butlin, Rochester, Michael (Betty) Lauritzen, Mazeppa, Joan (Jim) Perrin, Austin; eight grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; sisters, Madeline Braaten, Austin, Alyce Gallaher, Austin. He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Minnie Lauritzen; brothers, Laurel and Chester; infant son, Joseph; son-in-law, Allen Frank. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 12:30 pm on Sunday, February 7, 2010 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Joe Fogal officiating. There will be a 7 pm wake service on Saturday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4-7 pm. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #91. The honorary casket bearers will be grandchildren, Joe Frank, Jeff Frank, Annie Butlin, Abbie Butlin, Damian Lauritzen, Katie Bolin, Bob Lauritzen, Alex Perrin.

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