Thomas Virgil Lawrence

Thomas "Tom" Virgil Lawrence, Age 81, of Rochester, Minnesota, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away February 1, 2023, at St. Mary's Hospital, due to complications from Cancer. Tom is survived by his wife of 57 years Sherry, sons Peter (Brenda) and Michael (Joanne) and grandchildren Katie, Mason, Emma, and Hannah. Tom was born December 11, 1941, to Thomas and Leora Lawrence in Grand Forks, ND. He grew up in Fargo, ND and attended NDSU, graduating with a mechanical engineering degree. NDSU is also where he met his wife, Sherry. Tom and Sherry were married July 10, 1965, the Army immediately sent Tom to Vietnam. After returning from Vietnam, Tom and Sherry moved to Rochester when Tom was hired at IBM where he would continue to work for over 30 years. During this time in Rochester Tom went back to school at the University of Minnesota to earn an MBA. After retiring from IBM, Tom took up tax preparation at H&R Block, where he enjoyed working with tax clients until he was no longer able to. Tom enjoyed spending time with his family, including attending dance recitals for his granddaughters and sporting events for his grandson. Tom also spent much of his free time helping build youth and high school soccer in Rochester and the surrounding area. He had many roles in his soccer life: Parent Volunteer, Coach, Referee, Treasurer, Scheduler, Board Member and was inducted into the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) Hall of Fame in 2018. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 11am at Congregational Church (974 Skyline Drive SW, Rochester, MN 55902). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to MN Rush Youth Soccer. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Lawrence family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit ranfranzandvinefh.com.