Lawrence A. Stachnik

Lawrence A. Stachnik (Larry), 91, journeyed peacefully home to his eternal resting place in heaven on Friday, May 20, 2016. His wife of 66 years, Betty, was by his side at their home in Maple City.

Larry was born May 16, 1925, in Cedar to John and Mary (Czerniak) Stachnik. Larry graduated from Holy Rosary school, and upon graduation worked on a dairy farm and then joined the Army to serve our country during W. W. II. On July 2, 1949, at St. Rita's Church in Maple City, he married Betty Zientek and together they raised three children, Linda (Tom) Shimek, Sherry (Kip) Cantrick, and David (Tracy) Stachnik.

Larry served the community as the Maple City Postmaster for 20 years, retiring in 1985. He was an avid stamp collector. When he wasn't in the Post Office, chances are you would find him tinkering in the garage or workshop, working in the garden, tending his grapes, or pulling stumps in the swamp. Together, he and Betty, worked on their lake property, creating a place where their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren could come to spend time together as a family. These family times were always a treat for Larry. During the many family events at the lake, you were sure to be offered a glass of his latest wine or a taste of his dad's special recipe famously known as "Papa John's".

Larry is survived by his wife, Betty, their three children,along with their spouses, five grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren (great grandchild #8 will be born in September). Also surviving are his brother Raymond and sister Lorraine (Tom) Kulanda. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers John, Al, Bernard, Louis and sister Alice (Pawlek)

The family will greet friends and relatives on Monday May 23 from 5 until 7 p.m. at St. Philip Neri Church in Empire. The recitation of the Rosary will begin at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 24, also at St. Philip's Church with visitation one hour prior to the mass. Burial will be in St. Rita's Cemetery in Maple City.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorial contributions in Larry's name be directed to The Cedar Maple City Lions Club Community Project Fund, The Empire Food Pantry, or the Holy Rosary Church Christian Service Fund.