Richard Lawler

Dr. Richard J. Lawler, DDS, was born on May 23, 1933, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Richard J. and Rose (Fladeboe) Lawler. He attended Willmar schools and graduated from Willmar High School in 1951. He continued his undergraduate education at the University of St. Thomas and received his DDS from the University of Minnesota Dental School in 1958. Dick entered the United States Air Force in 1958 and served as a dentist at bases in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. During his military service he was united in marriage to Marguerite Murphy on September 26, 1959. Upon his Honorable Discharge the couple lived in Duluth for a short time before moving to Alexandria and setting up a practice in 1961. Dick continued to practice dentistry until his retirement in 2002. He was an active member of St. Mary?s Catholic Church. Dick was always active and friendly and he loved to hunt, fish, snow-ski, cook, and golf. He also served several years as a member of the Alexandria School Board, the Lions Club, and Ducks Unlimited. Most of all, however, he loved being a husband, father, and especially, a grandfather! Dick died on Thursday, May 8, 2014, at his home with his family at his side. He is survived by his wife Marguerite Lawler of Alexandria, daughter Laurie (Steve) Cummings of Chaska, son Greg Lawler of Apple Valley, grandchildren Caitlin Cummings, Colleen Cummings, Bridget Cummings, Jack Cummings, Lauren Lawler, Leah Lawler, T.J. Lawler, and Brady Lawler. Also surviving are a brother, Jon (Pam) Lawler of Detroit Lakes, and sisters Jane (Ray) Eckles of South Haven and Mary Jo (Ron) Anderson of Merrifield. Visitation will be Thursday, May 15, from 5-7 pm at the Church of St. Mary in Alexandria, Minnesota. Memorial mass will be held on Friday, May 16, 2014, at 11:00 am at the Church of St. Mary. Entombment will be in the St. Mary?s Church Cemetery. Dick?s grandchildren will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net