Lawrence Joseph Schmitt was born on August 28, 1944, in Sac City, Iowa, the fourth child of seven children born to John Edward and Bertha Ann (Engel) Schmitt. He was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early, where he also attended school graduating in 1962 from Sacred Heart Catholic School.

He was married to Susan Kae Thomason on May 11, 1974. Two children were born to this union: Coralie and Carisa.

Lawrence worked for Godbersen-Smith Construction Company of Ida Grove, as a paving superintendent of the concrete crew for 30-35 years. On June 1, 1991, he was united in marriage to Shirley Eileen Isaacson. One daughter, Nickolena, was born to this union.

His hobbies included camping and working. He loved spending time with the family and tried to live life to the fullest. Making each moment count and doing the things he wanted to do! He was a loving husband, father, brother and proud grandfather who cherished the time spent with his grandchildren.

Lawrence passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2006 at his home in Early. He was 62 years of age. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Bertha Schmitt; grandparents: Lenard and Elizabeth Engel and George and Eva Schmitt.

Those left to mourn his passing include his wife Shirley of Early, Iowa; daughters: Coralie Heisner and husband Brent and Carisa Bragg and husband Anthony both of Des Moines, Iowa, and Nickolena Schmitt of Early; two grandchildren: Nicholas Heisner of Des Moines and Jordan Bragg of Emmetsburg, Iowa. Other survivors include his parents-in-law, Clifford and Kathleen Isaacson of Algona, Iowa; six sisters and brothers: Helen M. Henrich and husband Don of Merrill, Iowa, Edward J. Schmitt and wife Sandy of Early, Catherine A. Schmitt/Christman of Bronson, Iowa, Frances A. Blum and husband Loren of Schaller, Iowa, George L. Schmitt and wife Sandy of Wall Lake, Iowa, and Lenard J. Schmitt and wife Mary of Early; many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, November 27, 2006 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early with burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.

Visitation is from 3:00-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 26th at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m.