Lawrence Lambert

Lawrence Francis Lambert, 95, was born on June 14, 1916 (Flag Day) on a farm in Spirit Lake, IA, the third child of Roy and Josephine (Berg) Lambert. He attended a country, one-room schoolhouse located north of the farm. After eighth grade graduation from Orleans Independent School, Lawrence worked on his parents' farm until he entered the Army on April 4, 1941. As an infantry Rifleman, Lawrence participated in the Algeria-French Morocco and Tunisia Battles and Campaigns. Lawrence was reported "MISSING IN ACTION" on February 17, 1943. He was taken Prisoner of War in North Africa and was transported to a German prison camp for 27 months. The prison camp was liberated May 23, 1945. Lawrence was honorably discharged at Moore General Hospital in Swannanoa, NC on April 26, 1946. Bestowed upon Lawrence were many ribbons and medals for his faithful service to this country. At the age of 90, Lawrence received a POW medal. And on June 14, 2009, he was recognized for his heroism at the unveiling of the Veterans Memorial Plaza in Spirit Lake, IA. Lawrence married Louise Spieker on June 25, 1946 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford, IA. They farmed for two years at Lake Park, IA and then moved to a farm seven miles west of Milford, IA. In 1960, they bought a farm 1 ¾ miles west of Milford, and Lawrence was actively involved with the farm operation until November 2008. Lawrence passed away on July 1, 2011 at the age of 95. Lawrence is survived by a daughter Mary Jo (Dick) Ruble of Lakeville, MN; three sons, Dave Lambert of Milford, IA and fiancee, Patty Youngstrom; Bill (Carleen) Lambert of Spirit Lake, IA; Tom (Bonnie) Lambert of Milford, IA; son-in-law, Jeff (Pat) Rolfes of Lake Park eight grandchildren, Todd (Jennifer) Ruble, Renee (Tim) Shimek, Jalene (Som) Keokhamthong, Andy (Ellie) Lambert, Michael (Ashley) Lambert, Jeff Lambert, Amy (David) Bockman and Laura Rolfes; eleven great-grandchildren, Ashley, Makayla, Dylan Shimek; Kaesi, Payton, Michela Keokhamthong; Sarah, Rachel, Lauren Lambert; Kyle, Courtney Bockman; three sisters, Eloise Lambert of Spirit Lake, IA, Mary (Chet) Phillips of Spirit Lake, IA, and Dorothy Ukasick of Sioux Falls, SD; sister-in-law, Leona Spieker of Milford, IA; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Lawrence was presided in death by his beloved wife of 31 years, Louise; youngest daughter, Martha Rolfes; parents, Roy and Josephine Lambert; brothers and wives, Elmer and Julie Lambert, Wiley and Molly Lambert, Jim and Alice Lambert, Joe and Inez Lambert; and brother-in-law, Steve Ukasick. A special thank you to all the care providers from Home Instead, the VA staff, Lakes Regional Home Health and Hospice, Hilltop Care Center and Dr. Kalkhoff and his medical team for providing Lawrence with such quality and professional care during the past two years.