John C. Lawrenz

John C. Lawrenz, 81, of Watertown, formerly of Milwaukee, passed away on September 22, 2024, at his home, with his family at his side and the sounds of his grandkids enjoying each other’s company in the background.

John was born on August 26, 1943, in Fond du Lac to the Rev. Carl and Irene (née Zabel) Lawrenz. He was born with an extra dose of energy and curiosity and could often be found with an atlas in hand or exploring the grounds of the family home on Seminary grounds in Mequon or the lakes of Mt. Morris in the summertime. John decided to follow in his father’s footsteps by training for public ministry at Northwestern Preparatory school and college in Watertown and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon. He also earned his master’s and doctorate in foreign language at Brandeis University, followed by a PhD in Mediterranean studies.

John was married to his wife, Phoebe, for 55 years. According to family lore, John and Phoebe first met as children over a stinkbug on the Apache reservation where Phoebe grew up. They reconnected years later and were married on June 22, 1969, at Withrow Lutheran Church in Withrow, Washington.

John’s first pastoral role was at Zion Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL. He later served as President of Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw, Michigan, while also teaching 9th grade Old Testament.  He then became President of Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, and Vice President of Student Life at Martin Luther College. Additionally, he chaired the Board of Ministerial Education in Milwaukee. John returned to Mequon to serve as a Professor of Old Testament Theology at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. He concluded his ministerial career at Asia Lutheran Seminary in Hong Kong, traveling extensively and teaching in various countries around the world.

He had a passion for crafting maps, composing poems, and writing Christian hymns. His interests also extended to archaeology. An artistic soul, he was incredibly creative, a visionary, and a forward thinker. He had a deep love for studying Hebrew and the Old Testament, which was his area of expertise.

John leaves behind his beloved wife, Phoebe; three children, Sarah (Stephen) Schroeder of Land O’ Lakes, FL, Benjamin (Maureen) Lawrenz of Watertown, and Susannah (Aaron) Luttman of West Richland, WA; 11 grandchildren, Lina, Sophia, Veronica, and Luke Schroeder, Atticus, Jude, Jasper, and Eve Lawrenz, and Anja, Kara, and Ronan Luttman; his siblings, Kathryn Weaver, David (Susan) Lawrenz, Stephen (Lori) Lawrenz, and Mary (Daniel) Schmal; his sisters-in-law, Phyllis (Kenneth) Kesti and Sharon King; other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by two infant daughters, Ruth and Eve; a brother-in-law, Duane Weaver; and a nephew, Mark Lawrenz.

VISITATION: John’s family will greet relatives and friends at St. Marcus Lutheran Church, 2215 North Palmer, in Milwaukee, on Sunday, September 29, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

SERVICE: A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday at St. Marcus Lutheran Church in Milwaukee with Pastor James Hein officiating. Live streaming of the service: John Lawrenz Memorial Service

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the Dr. John C. Lawrenz Presidential Scholarship at Michigan Lutheran Seminary through the MLS Foundation, or to Asia Lutheran Seminary General Donation Form - Asia - WELS , select Asia Lutheran Seminary.