Lawrence F. Krebsbach, 79, of Austin, died Thursday, Jan. 20, peacefully at his home after losing a battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and dear friend to many.

Lawrence is preceded in death by his parents, Sadie and Aloysius Krebsbach of Adams; sister, Katherine; brothers, Wilfred, James, Robert, Gerald, Donald, Richard and John.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Doris (Kos) Krebsbach; five children; Gary (Patti) Krebsbach, Cindy (Dale) Pechacek, Carolyn (Bruce) Clark, Vickie (Sean) Finnegan, Rod (Kathy) Krebsbach; nine grandchildren, Shane (Sarah) Pechacek, Shelley (Mark) Plummer, Jennifer (Robert) Rankin, Jeffrey Krebsbach, Sarah Stuhr, Briana Clark, Kayla Finnegan, Ryan Pechacek, and Nicholas Krebsbach; three great-grandchildren, Colby, Braden and Andrew Rankin. He's also survived by his three sisters: Vivian Hall, Angie Hall and Mary Lou Houle; one brother, Carl Krebsbach, and many other loving relatives and friends.

Lawrence proudly served in the U.S. Marines from 1951-1954 (First Marine Division Third Battalion), fighting in the Korean Conflict and receiving numerous awards and recognition — including the Purple Heart. He was an active member of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Chapter 27, serving as the Commander for multiple years. Lawrence was also a lifetime member of the VFW, Eagles, American Legion, as well as a long-time member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin. Lawrence loved hunting, fishing, gardening, cooking, listening to polka music, dancing, playing cards and spending time with family and friends. He was extremely active and enjoyed life. His smile, sense of humor, generous spirit and caring ways will be missed dearly by those left behind.

A celebration of life will be held Monday, Jan. 24, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Dale Tupper officiating. There will be a 4 p.m. wake service on Sunday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m., and a luncheon following the service at the church on Monday. Military rites will be by American Legion Post 91, VFW Post 1216 and DAV Chapter 27. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Obituary and photo from Austin Daily Herald, Jan.21, 2011.