Thomas J. Lawlor age 67 of Goose Lake passed away Saturday, March 15, 2025 at his home surrounded by his wife and children. A Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 21, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Sugar Creek. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday at the Pape Funeral Home and from 9:00 AM until the service time Friday at the Church. Per Tom’s wishes following the Mass cremation rites will be accorded with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bryant at a later date.
Tom was born in Clinton on October 8, 1957, the son of Daniel and Marilyn (Lutz) Lawlor. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1976. Tom married Laura Droste on July 3, 1976 at St. Boniface Church in Clinton. He was employed at Equistar for 20 years and later as the Project Manager for Veolia Water for 15+ years and farmed near Goose Lake. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Church, Sugar Creek. He had served on the council of St. Mary’s Church, Bryant, Knights of Columbus, and the Goose Lake Fire Department. Tom was a frequent blood and platelet donor. Tom enjoyed playing golf, staying busy on the farm, and most especially being with his family. He was devoted to his faith. He was a Iowa Hawkeye and Star Trek fan.
Tom is survived by his wife Laura of 48 years; 4 children, Josh (Michelle) Lawlor of Le Claire; Jeremy (Sarah) Lawlor of Stockton; Carol (Russ) Miller of Long Grove; and Jeff (Michelle) Lawlor of St. Charles, MO; 11 grandchildren, Michael, Mya, Joel, Alaina, Caden, Collin, Blair, Reese, Chase, Natalie, and Noelle; his sister, Theresa (Jack) Boysen of Clinton; his brother, Mike (Roxanne) Lawlor of Folletts; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a niece, Jenny. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Church, Sugar Creek. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.
Our heart goes out to you and your family. Sending healing prayers and continuous comforting hugs!
Dear Drs. Josh and Jeff Lawlor,
I was heartbroken to hear about the passing of your father, Thomas J. Lawlor. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
I had the privilege of knowing Jeff during our time at Palmer College, where I admired his integrity, humility, and friendship—qualities that undoubtedly reflect the strong values instilled by your parents. Later, when I worked with Josh on the GMI/Forum Institute Seminars in Spain, I recognized those same admirable traits in him. Your leadership, humility, and humanity have always inspired me, and I am certain these qualities were shaped by your father’s teachings and devotion to family and faith.
Thomas J. Lawlor’s legacy lives on through both of you and the positive impact you continue to make in the Gonstead community and beyond. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your wives, and your entire family as you navigate this loss. May God grant you peace and strength, and may your father’s soul rest in eternal light.
With love and respect,
Dr. Abel Montoro (Spain)
Praying for peace for your entire family! I love hearing all the funny stories about Tom from Dr. Jeff Lawlor. What a wonderful, strong and bright family. So glad that Laura has such amazing kids and grandkids to lift her up in this difficult time. Tom will be missed, but what a lovely legacy he has in this group of people. May your memories shine bright and fill your hearts with warmth and comfort (and more than a few laughs).
Laura and Carol so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you all.
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of the family and praying your fun family memories bring comfort in the days to come. You have a beautiful family.
So very sorry for your loss Laura. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Hugs and prayers to you Laura and family. I cherish all the memories we have from a long time ago.
Carol, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Dirk and Annette, Thomas and Rebecca & kids.
Laura and family, Mike and I are so very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. remember all your great times. sending hugs and love.
Oh Laura! We are so sorry to hear this. Praying for you all.
Prayers of comfort and peace for Tom’s family. Childhood neighborhood friends with Tom, Theresa, and Mike . We all attended St Patrick’s
So very, very sorry for your loss – thinking of you all! Our sincere sympathy!
So sorry to hear this. I worked with Tom at Equistar and he was a great guy! prayers for him and his family.
Tom and Laura raised an amazing family. I enjoyed knowing Tom and looked forward to being with him all the times the families got together either at his home in Iowa or here in St Charkes, MO. Thank you, Tom! You are “Born aloft to God”. Mahler 2nd Symphony (The Resurrection Symphony) 5th Movement.