Obit: Boxrucker, Lawrence A. (1917 - 2008)

Poster: Robert Lipprandt

Email: bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Boxrucker, Franklin, Langteau, Patterson, Pueschner

----Source: The Star News (Medford, Taylor Co., WI) Thursday, September 4, 2008, Online Edition

Boxrucker, Lawrence A. (November 10, 1917 - December 7, 1941)

Lawrence A. Boxrucker, formerly of Dorchester, died December 7, 1941 in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

His repatriated remains will finally be laid to rest on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008 at 11 a.m. in the Dorchester Memorial Cemetery. The Rev. Benjamin Franklin will conduct the committal services at the cemetery on Saturday.

Lawrence was born November 10, 1917 in the Town of Little Black in Taylor County to John and Mary (Pueschner) Boxrucker.

He attended Liberty country school in the town of Little Black until the eighth grade. After that, Lawrence worked at various farms in the area. Later he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps at Jump River and Rhinelander. Lawrence and his twin brother, Louis, headed west to Oregon in order to find work. No work was to be found, so they traveled to San Francisco, Calif., where Lawrence and his brother joined the Navy in 1940. Lawrence and his brother were assigned to different positions in the Navy. Lawrence was stationed on the USS Oklahoma as a Fireman 2nd Class. The USS Oklahoma was part of the United States Pacific Fleet based at Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii. On December 7, 1941 a fleet of Japanese carriers launched an air strike against the Pacific Fleet. Lawrence, along with 428 other sailors on board the USS Oklahoma, died that day.

Lawrence is survived by two brothers, Louis (Hilda) Boxrucker of Dorchester and Arthur (Celine) Boxrucker of Prairie du Chien. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. Lawrence's parents and his sister Helen Langteau are deceased.

Local veterans organizations wishing to attend the committal services at Dorchester Memorial Cemetery and pay their respects to their fallen comrade should contact Ken Patterson of the Boxrucker-Berry American Legion Post. No. 519 of Stetsonville for further information.

Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.