Lawrence Dennis

Lawrence Emil "Lorney" Dennis died on Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at Trinity Center Luther Park. Celebration of Life services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 4, 2007 at All Saints Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, with a 5 p.m. scripture service at Hamilton's near Highland memory Gardens.
Lorney was born on April 12, 1915 to William H. and Mary (Couch) Dennis. His parents, sister Florence Dennis and brothers Carol (Rosalie), Harry (Beulah), and Donald all preceded him in death. Lorney grew up on the north side and graduated from North High School in the early 1930’s. He was an Army veteran of WWII serving in North Africa, Italy and France.
Talented on roller skates, he met Lucile Ann Jeffers at a roller rink in the 1930s. They married on August 16, 1940 and celebrated 66 years of life together. Their son Lawrence William "Bill" was the center of their lives. Lorney engaged Bill in skating, hunting, fishing and especially scouting. As a scout leader he continued until several of "his boys" achieved Eagle Scout status even after Bill went to college.
After returning from the war, he developed his own roofing business and continued that until retirement in his 70's. Even after retirement, he was active in answering handyman calls from many widows and friends. He could repair just about anything.
His church was very important to him, and he was active with that throughout his married life. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, continued with a Renew group for 12 years, sang in the choir, and helped with the various functions and activities whenever he could.
Active was a key word for Lorney. He was a whiz at cribbage, pitch and pinochle. He would roller skate occasionally until he was 80. He continued with his bowling leagues until his late 80s and he was an excellent gardener. The Couch-Dennis reunion as well as neighbors and friends could count on baskets of tomatoes and cucumbers in huge supply. He also enjoyed meeting with his North High pals and was a member of the American Legion Post 374.
He is survived by his wife, Lucile; son, Bill (Rhonda); daughter-in-law, Cicily Dennis; grandson, David (Angela Rubino) and great-granddaughter, Sophia Elizabeth; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Dennis and Harriett Petosa; brother-in-law, Carl Jeffers; and best friend Bill Porter along with several nieces and nephews and many friends. Memorial contributions may be made to All Saints Catholic Church.

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