Lawrence M. Tammeus

Lawrence M. Tammeus, 101, of Delavan, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2024 at Hopedale Nursing Home.

He was born March 30, 1922 in Delavan to Wilke C. Jr. and Ida “Kate” Goeken Tammeus.  He married Velma Reeves on June 14, 1947 in Jacksonville.

Surviving are his wife of 76 years, Velma Tammeus; his children, Steven (Elizabeth) Tammeus of The Villages, FL, Cynthia Diekhoff of Bloomington, and Sally (Jim) Wilson of Delavan; seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Wilber, Angelina, and Esther; and one son-in-law, Kevin Diekhoff.

Lawrence graduated from Liberty and Delavan High School in 1939 and attended the University of Illinois.

He served in the Army Air Corp from 1942 to 1946 as a L.I.N.K. trainer instrument flying instructor during WWII, attaining the rank of staff sergeant.

After the service, Lawrence came home to the family farm,  where he milked cows, raised grain, and was a Golden Harvest Seed Dealer for many years.

He was a lifelong member of  Delavan United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir for 60 years. He was a lifelong member of Delavan American Legion Post 382, where he served as past commander and played the Bugle for military funeral honors. He was a lifelong member and founder of the Delavan Rotary Club, he served as director of the Tazewell County National Bank, was a member of Tazewell County Farm Bureau, and served on the board of directors for the Delavan Cooperative Elevator.

In his younger years, he enjoyed men’s bowling, dancing, was a musician, enjoyed bus trips with the Prime Timers, and he and his wife represented the Rotary Club on an excursion to Brazil. Lawrence found great joy spending time with his family and telling his grandchildren stories of his past.

His funeral will be at 11:00 am Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Delavan United Methodist Church.  Pastor Charles Graul will officiate.  Visitation will be one hour before the service at the Church. Burial  will be in Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan with military honors by Delavan American Legion Post 382 and the United States Army.  Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate, Ladies Cemetery Association, or Delavan United Methodist Church.

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