Wilfred Allen Lawton

Wilfred Allen Lawton, 82, of Viola died Friday, August 31, 2012. Wilfred (Wil) A. Lawton, 82, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on August 31, 2012. He was born on March 16, 1930 to Leslie and Sadie (Parker) Lawton. He was united in marriage on June 1, 1949 to Lorraine Lieurance and they enjoyed 63 wonderful years together. Wilfred was very active throughout the community. He served as Treasurer on the School Board, and President of the Viola Horse and Colt Show. He was a farmer and also managed the Bowling Pin Factory in Viola. The factory was later purchased by Vulcan Pin Company and Wilfred was transferred to Richland Center and then they relocated to Antigo, WI. He returned to Viola to work at First National Bank as a Loan Officer and eventually retired after 18.5 years. Wilfred enjoyed bowling, squirrel hunting, deer hunting, boxing (he was the Golden Glove winner all four years of high school as the Featherweight). He also enjoyed traveling to Tomahawk, WI with the family to stay at our cottage where we could swim, fish, water ski, cook out and enjoy family time. Wilfred is survived by his wife, Lorraine and their four daughters. Lois & (Doug) Deckert, June & (Randy) Williams, Joan Lawton & Friend John Fries, Lori & (Jack) Anderson. He is survived by eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by the Parker children, Lois Barber, Murl Parker, Dale Parker, June Baker, and Evan Parker whom he grew up with and was considered a brother by all of them. Wilfred is preceded in death by infant son, James Allen, his parents Leslie and Sadie Lawton, his sister Beth Kruesel, his brother Donald Lawton, Uncle Alva and Aunt Gertrude Parker who raised Wilfred from the age of 12. Memorials may be given to the Kickapoo Valley Rescue Squad, Viola United Methodist Church or the Viola Cemetery Association. Blessed be the memory of Wilfred A. Lawton Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at the Viola United Methodist Church. Pastor Wayne Hull will officiate with burial in the Viola Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 12 noon until the time of the service at 2 p.m. The Vosseteig Funeral Homes Henthorn Memorial Center of Viola is serving the family.