JAMES LAURENTIUS SR.

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- James E. Laurentius Sr., 76, of Perryville died Monday, Aug. 7, 2000, at Perry County Memorial Hospital.

He was born Dec. 1, 1923, in Cape Girardeau County, son of Stephen and Theresa Lee Laurentius. He and Lydia A. Unterreiner were married Sept. 27, 1947.

Laurentius retired as a foreman at Farmer's Limestone, and also farmed. He was a member of St. Maurus Catholic Church in Biehle, Mo., and American Legion. He was a veteran of World War II.

Survivors include his wife; three sons, James Laurentius Jr. of St. Louis, Stanley Laurentius of Cape Girardeau, Gary Laurentius of Jackson, Mo.; four daughters, Linda Spencer and Carol Laurentius of St. Louis, Brenda Krieger and Debbie Boland of Perryville; a brother, Elmer Laurentius of Cape Girardeau; two sisters, Leona Propst of St. Louis, Betty Jones of Jackson; 19 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and two sisters.

Friends may call at Young and Sons Funeral Home from 4-9 p.m. today, and Thursday from 6:30-9:15 a.m. The parish wake is at 7 tonight, and the American Legion wake is at 7:15. The rosary will be recited at 8 a.m. Thursday.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Maurus Church. The Rev. Mark Bozada will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.