Lawrence Joseph Espinosa

Lawrence J. Espinosa 98, of Mason City, IA, died Friday, March 9, 2018, at the Good Shepherd Health Center. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, March 15, 2018, at the Epiphany Parish Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 North Adams, with Rev. Neil Manternach officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family of Lawrence Espinosa.

Lawrence Joseph Espinosa was born July 29, 1919 in Salina, Kansas to parents Pablo and Petra (Lopez) Espinosa. He was 1 of 17 children. Lawrence grew up in Mason City on “Lehigh Row.” On July 29, 1940, Lawrence married Gladys Wynn at Holy Family Catholic Church. The two were married for 76 years, at the time Gladys passed away. In his early 20’s Lawrence joined the United States Army, serving as a cook at various locations in the US. After his honorable discharge, he became a laborer for the Lehigh Cement Company and worked for the company for 32 years.
Lawrence was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed playing softball. He was inducted into the River City Softball Hall of Fame. Some of his hobbies included fishing with family and friends in Decorah, and cooking for family. Lawrence also loved going to McDonald’s to have his morning coffee.
Lawrence is survived by children: Larry (Roxie) Espinosa of Mason City, Veronica (Arlyn) James of Mason City, JoAnn Liekweg and Cindy (Mark) Ewy of Mason City; grandchildren: Dawn (Chad) Collins, Laurie (Brian) Stevenson, Lisa (Steve) Foster, Tanya Liekweg, Misti (Johnny) Steichen, Scott Espinosa, Jason (Bobbie) James Emily (Tim) Klunenberg and Erin Ewy; 17 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; sisters-in-laws Loreen Youngren of St. Paul MN and Mavis Espinosa of Mason City; many nieces and nephews.
Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Gladys in 2016, son-in-law Dalvin Liekweg, and all of his siblings.