Lawrence Hamburg

On January 17, 2010 the Lord called Lawrence “Larry” W. Hamburg, age 98 years, of Elroy to his Heavenly Home.  He died after a short stay at the Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston, surrounded by his loved ones. 

Lawrence was born on April 21, 1911 at Wonewoc, to Henry and Anna (Raese) Hamburg.  On June 21, 1938, he was united in marriage to Grace Burgdorff, of Mauston, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wonewoc. 

Larry was born and raised on a farm near Wonewoc and he worked for a variety of people, doing various jobs during the depression.  As such, he became very knowledgeable in many areas, from farming, to carpentry, masonry, etc.

He and his cousin, Bill Degner, owned and operated the Elroy Bakery for several years.  In the 1940’s he went into the hardware business, where he owned and operated Hamburg Hardware in Elroy for many years until he retired.

He was a long time faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Elroy, where he served as a council member for many years.  He loved going to church and hearing about his Savior.  He enjoyed music and could play the accordion and harmonica.  In his younger years, he and his brothers had a dance band and traveled to many local events to play.  When he wasn’t playing in the band, he loved to dance.  His children and grandchildren loved to listen to his many fascinating stories of his youth and different life situations.  He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his two daughters, Jane Hamburg of Wausau, Sherry (Bill) Board of Elroy, two sons, Daniel Hamburg of Wisconsin Rapids, and Lanny Hamburg of Elroy; five Grandchildren: Ken (Tami) Board of North Mankato, MN, Steve (Jessica) Board of Richland Center, Kristin (Jon) Duhr of Horicon, Lisa (Sam) Koniar of Muskego, and Lori (Ben) Meyer of Sturgeon Bay; six Great Grandchildren: Austin Colsch, Ella and Adelyn Board, Alexis and Bryce Duhr, and Aurelia Meyer; two Sisters, Leola Birkholz and Marion (Floyd) Pagel; and a sister-in-law, Judy Hamburg; along with many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his Parents, his wife, Grace, on August 7, 1994; three brothers, Harold, Ervin, and Herbert Hamburg; a sister, Elnora Erickson, and two infant sons.