Graber, Lawrence Lane (1939-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Oct 10 p. 1

Birth date: 1939 Sep 29

text of obituary:

South Dakota Youth Killed by Tree Limb

FRESHMAN AT FREEMAN JUNIOR COLLEGE VICTIM OF UNUSUAL MISHAP

Freeman, S. D. — This community was saddened by the sudden, accidental death of Lawrence Graber, 18-year-old freshman at Freeman Junior College who was fatally injured Sept. 18 in an unusual accident at his farm home.

The young man and his father, Albert Graber, were using a tractor to pull stumps from a creek bed when a large stump came out with a sudden jerk, causing a limb to fall from a nearby tree. The limb struck Lawrence on the head, apparently causing instant death.

Funeral services were held at the Salem Mennonite Church near here, of which he was a member.

Surviving are the parents, two brothers and one sister.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 24 Oct 1957 p. 8

text of obituary:

LAWRENCE L. GRABER

Lawrence Lane Graber, son of Albert and Mabel Graber, nee Gering, was born Sept. 29,1939 in Turner County, Childstown Township, near Marion, S. D., and passed away near his home in an accident while working with wood on Sept. 28,1957, at 2:30 in the afternoon. He reached the age of 17 years,11 months and 29 days.

Our beloved son and brother grew up and lived with us in our home, where he was a cheerful and happy helper, and a joy and comfort to us.

After completing elementary school he attended Freeman Academy from which he graduated in the spring of 1957. This fall he entered Freeman College as a freshman. He had planned to finish two years here and continue his college education at Brookings before beginning his life's work.

He was baptized on his confession of faith on May 26, 1956, by Rev. J. Herbert Fretz in the Salem Mennonite Church. The church has always been an inspiration to him.

In his childhood he suffered from mastoiditis and a few years later contracted a rare blood disease which left him small and weakened for a longtime. He enjoyed better health before his passing.

He was preceded in death by one grandfather, Adolph J. Graber. He leaves to mourn his departure his parents; two brothers, DeWayne and Terry; one sister, Sharon; one grandfather, two grandmothers, six uncles, six aunts, six cousins and many relatives, classmates and friends. — The Family.