Lawrence J. Niebrugge (95) of rural Effingham (Green Creek)

Lawrence J. Niebrugge, 95, of rural Effingham (Green Creek) went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 4, 2016, at his home in the midst of his family.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 8 at St. Mary Help of Christians Church in rural Effingham, Green Creek. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Green Creek, with military rites. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. with a 6 p.m. Knights of Columbus Rosary Tuesday at Johnson Funeral Home, 1110 N. Fourth Street, Effingham, IL. Memorials may be made in memory of Lawrence to HSHS St. Anthony’s Hospice of Southern Illinois and may be received at the funeral home, 1110 N. Fourth, Effingham, IL 62401.

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Lawrence was born to Anthony and Anna (Aulenbrock) Niebrugge on March 5, 1921 at the same homestead where he lived nearly his entire life. He married Dorothy R. Lidy on October 29, 1949, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Island Grove, IL, and she preceded him in death on May 1, 2015.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1942 and was honorably discharged in January 1946, spending most of his time in Alaska guarding the western coast. After his military service, he was a carpenter until taking over the family farm in the late 40’s. He also was employed by the USPS until his retirement in 1985. He decreased his farming at that time, but continued with his flowers and extensive garden.

He was actively involved with his church, St. Mary’s in Green Creek throughout his life, as well as the Knights of Columbus and Holy Name Society.

Lawrence had many interests especially coon hunting with his brothers, sons, and nephews. In later years, he kept busy wood-working, using his own grown logs to fashion benches, tables, and furniture for his children and grandchildren.

He was a diehard Cubs fan which he inherited from his father, and he played third base for local teams until children changed his priorities.

Lawrence is survived by his children, Mark Niebrugge of Fort Lupton, CO, Dan (Leslie) Niebrugge of Effingham, Joan (Marvin) Iffert of Effingham, Patrick (fianceé, Conny Mitchell) Niebrugge of Casey, Ted (Terry) Niebrugge of Delavan, Kevin (Karen) Niebrugge of West Lafayette, IN, Marilyn (Wayne) Vohs of Syracuse, NY, Cindy (David) Darst of Webster Groves, MO, Larry (Gina) Niebrugge of Effingham, Karen (Gary) Trevino of Gilroy, CA, Annette (Michael) Schackmann of Newton, Bill (Gina) Niebrugge of Highland, and Donna (Kevin) James of Charlotte, NC; 31 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Tony (Barb) Niebrugge of Effingham; and sister, Sr. Agatha Niebrugge of Donaldson, IN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorothy; grandchild, Coleman James; 6 brothers; and 5 sisters.