Lawrence Philip Buck

?Lawrence P. Buck, age 80, of Lake George, MN, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away on Sunday morning July 17, 2016 at Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids, MN.  Lawrence was born to John P. and Mary A. (Krueger) Buck in a small two-room shack North of Emmaville, MN in the early spring of 1936.  Shortly after they moved to Owatonna,  MN for 8 years of his early childhood.  They then moved to Park Rapids, MN where John and Mary purchased a 160 acre farm on the Hubbard and Becker County line west of Park Rapids.  Lawrence attended grade school through the 8th grade in a township school west of Park Rapids, and then helped John on the small dairy farm until his early 20’s.  In the mid 70’s he finished his schooling and earned a GED diploma.  He left the farm and began a lifelong career of mostly heavy equipment operating and road construction, working early on for Kahlstorf Construction, Gladen Construction, and mingled in there he began a career with the International Union of Operating Engineers – Local 49.  As a union operator he worked for Lund, Kern and Tabery, D. H. Blattner and Sons, Buesing Corporation, and a few others.  He loved his work and was one of the best finish dozer operators in Minnesota.  He retired from Blattner in 1998 working for them the better part of 14 years.  His oldest son Philip works for Blattner and the old timers still talk about Lawrence’s operating abilities.  At the age of 22 he was set up on a blind date by a close friend with Ruth Alice Parker and they were married shortly after on June 14, 1958.  Evidently it was love at first site and they shared 58 blissful years together.  Through many hardships and trials, they’re love for each other remained strong and true.  It was a match made in heaven and to that union 5 children were born.  They traveled on the road with construction early but with a 4th child on the way it was time to establish some roots.  The small community of Lake George, MN was chosen and in 1962 they purchased a small house on 5 acres.  A bathroom with indoor plumbing was added on shortly after the initial house was paid for and then as the children grew 3 bedrooms were added on.  After he retired, Lawrence and Ruth (Dixie) spent the winters traveling and residing in Oklahoma near two of their children for 6 years. Lawrence resided in Lake George until he developed severe lung problems and entered Heritage Living Center in April of 2016.  His life partner Ruth had been placed there in the Alzheimer’s unit 2 years earlier so they were down the hall from each other, able to see each other most days.  Lawrence was loved by all who knew him and loved to fish and hunt, spend time with his children and grandchildren, and of course his partner in life for 58 years. Lawrence and Ruth were charter members of Kabekona Community Church where Lawrence was active as a board member and devoted layman.  He loved the Lord and served him faithfully. He will be missed by all who knew him.       He is survived by his wife Ruth A. (Parker) Buck of Heritage Cottages; children:  Alice R. Vossler of Big Lake, MN, Philip J. (Karen) Buck of Grove, OK,  Larry W. (Pam) Buck of New Baden, IL, Rosemary A. (Mike) Vetrone of Afton, OK, and James W. (Leslie) Buck of Windsor, CO.  Six grandsons, three granddaughters, and ten great grandchildren.  Along with numerous other relatives and close friends.  Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, John P. and Mary (Krueger) Buck; sister Lillian; brother George Krueger; grandson Jesse Johnson, and numerous aunts and uncles.       Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Kabekona Community Church, , Visitation will be on Friday, July 22, 2016 from 5-8 p.m. at Jones-Pearson Funeral Home, Park Rapids, MN. And again one hour prior to services Saturday at the church. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery, with a fellowship dinner to follow provided by his church family.  To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute, please visit www.jonespearson.com.