Lawrence L. “Red” Wilcox, age 75 of 4014 E. Maple Ridge Road in Rock passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba following a two year battle with cancer.
Lawrence was born December 7, 1935 in Battle Creek, Michigan the son of Lyle and Mary (O’Heran) Wilcox. Lawrence served his country proudly in the United States Coast Guard. He married Mary L. Salmi on August 4, 1956 in Escanaba. Following a brief stint back in Battle Creek, Lawrence returned to the Rock area where he raised his family. He worked for Harnischfeger from 1959 to 1983. In 1984 Lawrence and Mary purchased Karen’s Kitchen in Rock and renamed it Mary and Red’s Place. In 1986 he began driving bus for the Mid Pen schools until he retired in 2004. Folowing retirement Lawrence continued working at the restaurant with his son Dan.
Lawrence was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Perkins and was very active in the Rock and Escanaba communities. He was a member of the Maniaci Mental Health Board, a director on the DATA Bus service board for many years, a member of the UAW 632 of Escanaba, the Democratic Party, a 4-H Leader, a member of the Rock Lions Club and a volunteer with the Rock Fire Department and drove the Rock ambulance.
Lawrence was an avid Packer fan and NASCAR fan. He also enjoyed camping and was the Grand Marshall of the 2010 Rock Labor Day Parade. His family and friends were the most important. He spent two and a half years lovingly tending to his wife while she was ill and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed working with his family and visiting with the “coffee clutchers” at the restaurant.
Lawrence is survived by two sons Mark (Maryann) Wilcox of Houghton, MI and Dan (Mary) Wilcox of Escanaba, MI; a dauhgter Cheryl (Jeff) Patrick of Rock, MI; 5 grandchildren Jeff Patrick Jr., Marnell Patrick, Taylor Wilcox, Julieann and Marshall Kemppainen; a brother Norman Wilcox of Battle Creek, MI; a brother-in-law Frank (Lorraine) Salmi of Rock, MI and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded by his wife, Mary on August 23, 2001, his parents and an infant daughter Cheryl Ann.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 20 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military rites conducted by the Rock American Legion will follow at 8:00. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, May 21 at 10:00 AM at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Perkins with Rev. Fr. Jacek Wtyklo officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Lawrence will be laid to rest next to his wife in the Rock Cemetery.