David Robert Lawrenz, AGE 59, a resident of Wheaton, Illinois for the past 41 years, died on September 4, 2011 at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois. The firstborn son of Rev. Richard and LaVerne Lawrenz, he was born on December 30, 1951, in Pasadena, California. Dave met the love of his life, Ann, on May 16, 1981 and married her on June 5, 1982. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 29 years, their three children – Jason (27), Josh (23), and Jenna (21) – and their new grandson, Judah (5 mo), son of Jason and his wife, Robin. He is also survived by his four younger siblings – Kathy, John, Tom, and Mary – and their families.

Dave was a man whose life was characterized by his unwavering faith, his self-sacrificial love for his family, his passionate support for Wheaton College (IL), and his genuine care for others. Dave and family have been members of College Church in Wheaton for the past 18 years. He raised his family, by word and by example, to love God with their whole hearts and to love others as they love themselves. His faith stabilized them in the midst of many trials. His constant and contagious joy originated from his confidence in Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior.

Dave took great joy in telling others about his family. From lifelong friends to one-time acquaintances, all those who met Dave quickly came to know his family through his eagerly-shared stories of them. He consistently thought of his family before he thought of himself, and he found great joy in being a proud and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and son.

An alumnus of Wheaton College ('74), Dave worked at Wheaton for the past eight years as a Director of Development. He will be missed by colleagues and business contacts alike for his work ethic, his humor, his caring demeanor, and his ability to cultivate friendships. In addition to his work at Wheaton, Dave was an uncommonly devoted fan of Wheaton athletics, particularly of their men's basketball and women's softball teams. His presence in the office, on the road, and in the stands will be sorely missed by the Wheaton College community.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 8, from 4-9 p.m. at College Church in Wheaton. On Friday, September 9, all who knew Dave are invited to a graveside service at Wheaton Cemetery at 9:30 a.m. A memorial service in his honor will be held at College Church in Wheaton at 11:00 a.m. Refreshments will follow the memorial service for all who attend.

In lieu of flowers, Dave's family requests that donations be made to Wheaton College. Donations can be directed to: Pam Munn (Development), Wheaton College, 501 College Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187.