Lawrence Newton Jones, 62, passed away at the Wheaton Franciscan- All Saints Medical Center on Monday, September 17, 2007. Larry was born in Manitowoc, WI on May 8, 1945 to the late Newton Thomas and Kathryn Irma (nee: Soine) Jones. A graduate of Lincoln High School in Manitowoc, he went on to earn a double major from UW-Oshkosh. Years later, Larry graduated with a Master’s degree from UW-Milwaukee. On August 19, 1967 in First Presbyterian Church – Manitowoc, Larry was united in marriage with the love of his life, Mary Lou Gadzinski.
Larry’s 37-year educational career began in 1968 at Washington Park High in Racine as a history teacher. Next, at age 28, he became directing principal of Howards Grove High and, shortly after, Cassville High. Following that assignment, Larry moved on to become assistant principal of Tremper High – Kenosha. Later, he was assigned as directing principal of Bradford High – Kenosha and served as the first principal of the current 39th Avenue location, which opened for the 1979-1980 school year. In 1984, Larry was recognized as State Principal of the Year. He returned to his hometown to become Director of Secondary Education and HR for Manitowoc Public Schools. Finally, after missing the direct interaction with students, Larry returned to Racine to serve 12 years as a sub-school principal at William Horlick High School, retiring in 2006.
Larry was an elder, usher and member of the worship committee at Covenant Presbyterian Church. An avid sports fan to say the least, he enjoyed watching basically all sporting events on television. Larry was a true history buff and avid reader. Known for his kindness and generosity, even in death, Larry is helping others by his donation through the organ and tissue program. Above all, he was happiest when in the surroundings of his entire family.
Surviving are his loving wife of 40 years, Mary of Racine; their children, Kirsten Jones and Charlie (Dawn) Jones, both of Waukesha; brother, Thomas (Mary Ann) Jones; sister, Jan (Jim) Regitz; sister-in-law, Ann (Marty) Georgeson; brother-in-law, John (Julie) Gadzinski; and by nieces, nephews, other relatives, former students and friends.
In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his in-laws, Carol and Edwin Gadzinski.
Funeral services will be held in Covenant Presbyterian Church (40 Ohio Street, Racine) on Thursday, September 20, 2007 at 11:30AM with Rev. Melanie Hammond-Clark officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the church on Thursday from 9:30AM to 11:30AM. In memory of Larry, the family has suggested memorials to Convenant Presbyterian Church.
A special note of thanks to WFH – All Saints Medical Center for the compassionate care and to our family and friends for your prayers and support. God bless all of you!