Laurence H. Haze, age 96, of Sheldon, Iowa passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2013 at Sanford Senior Care in Sheldon, Iowa. The funeral service will be held 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at the Sheldon United Methodist Church in Sheldon, Iowa with Rev. Kevin Gingerich ~ officiating
Burial will be at the East Lawn Cemetery in Sheldon, Iowa with flag presentation by the Sheldon American Legion McGlothlen-Cowie Post #145.
Visitation will be after 3 P.M. Tuesday, September 3, 2013 with family present from 5 – 7 P.M. at the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon, Iowa.
Arrangements are under the care of the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon.
Online memorial condolences may be sent to: vanderploegfunerals.com
Laurence Haze loved people and this was especially evident in his many years as a public servant. He won many friends with his friendly smile and manner and enjoyed visiting with folks from all walks of life.
Laurence Henry Haze was born November 13, 1916 in Sheldon, Iowa to Cornelius and Grace (Sol) Haze. He spent his boyhood on a farm north of Sheldon and graduated from Sheldon High School in 1935. On April 18, 1940 he married Esther Marian Mlazgar of Boyden at the United Presbyterian Church. They were blessed with a son, Dean Alan.
Following graduation from the Iowa Highway Patrol School at Camp Dodge, he became a member at the patrol and served Northwest Iowa for 40 years. This was the longest tenure of service for any State Trooper. He was appointed Sergeant in 1957.
During World War II, he served with the military police at Fort Omaha, Nebraska and Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, followed by overseas duty in Okinawa and Korea.
Following his retirement from the patrol in 1981, he became Safety Director for Farmer’s Feed and Supply in Boyden, Iowa. He retired from this position in 1988. He and Esther also were Travel Escorts for Allied Tours for several years. He also served as instructor for AARP driver’s course, “55 Alive”. Laurence passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2013 at the Sanford Senior Care in Sheldon, Iowa, reaching the age of 96 years, 9 months and 16 days.
He was a member of the Sheldon United Methodist Church and was head usher 47 years; and also served on various church boards and administrative councils. He was affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, United Commercial Travelers, Iowa State Policemen’s Association, and Troopers Association, life membership in Tri-State Peace Officers Association, O’Brien County Conservation Board for 32 years, chairman of Sheldon Park Commission for 34 years and many civic committees. Also, he was a Teenville Board Member, City Band Treasurer, Election Official, active in Avenue of Flags committee and member of McGlothlen-Cowie Post #145 and American Legion in Sheldon.
Grateful for having shared his life is his son, Dean Haze of Denver, Colorado; also, many loving friends
He was preceded in death by his wife, Esther on March 31, 2006 and his parents.
