Lawrence Heisserer

Lawrence Joseph Heisserer, 89, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, at Missouri Veterans Home.

Lawrence, kind hearted, generous and with a contagious smile, touched many lives and will be missed.

He was born March 22, 1923, in Kelso, Mo., to August and Clara Bucher Heisserer. He and Mary Wilmena "Wilma" Beard were married April 19, 1947, at Sedalia, Mo. She preceded him in death May 24, 1997.

Lawrence served in the Navy during World War II. After his service, he and Wilma moved to St. Louis. In 1976 they moved to Bella Vista, Ark., where they lived for more than 20 years. Lawrence then moved to Benton, Mo., in 2000.

He retired from the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Bentonville, Ark., after 18 years of service. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso, a 3rd Degree member of Knights of Columbus Council 6420, a member of St. Joseph's 4th Degree Assembly 2283 and a life member of the American Legion and VFW.

Lovingly remembered by a son, Larry D. Heisserer of Bryant, Ark.; a daughter, Audrey Hodel (Russell) of Tulsa, Okla.; a brother, Barney Heisserer of Kelso; and four grandchildren, Jason Heisserer, Christine Hodel, Allison Hodel Barbera and Danny Heisserer.

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

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at St. Augustine Church. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m., followed by a Knights of Columbus service.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Augustine Church, with the Rev. Oliver Clavin officiating. Burial will be in St. Augustine Church Cemetery in Kelso. Graveside military rites will be provided by the Missouri Honors Team.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be given to Missouri Veterans Home, 2400 Veterans Memorial Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.