Lawrence William Volesky, 85 of Cedar Rapids died Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at his home.  Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 18, 2007 at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, with burial following in Czech National Cemetery, where full military rites will be conducted by the Ely American Legion St. Quentin Post 555.  Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, and for an hour prior to services Monday at the chapel.

Lawrence was born October 23, 1921, the son of William and Molly (Kroul) Volesky.  He was raised on a farm near Linn Junction which is now part of the Seminole Valley Park. He was married to his beloved wife of 59 years.  Lawrence and Blanche Novak were married on October 14, 1947 in North Liberty.  Lawrence was a very patriotic man, serving his country in WWII.  His courageous landing on the Normandy Beach June of 1944 took him into France where he was wounded in action.  He proudly received his Purple Heart and served in three campaigns in Europe receiving three Bronze Stars for the Normandy, Central Europe, and Rhineland Campaigns.  He continued serving his country as a proud member and past commander of the Ely Legion Post 555.  Lawrence also farmed for many years and was a carpenter by trade, building many houses in the area from 1958 until present.  He worked many years at Waconia Sorghum Mill.

Lawrence is survived by his wife Blanche; five children Vernon of Norway, Raymond (Paula) of Guthrie Center, Ronald (Mary) of Coralville, Jane (Duane) Walter of Swisher, and Clarence (Debbie) of Cedar Rapids; sixteen grandchildren Justin (Connie) Volesky, Aaron (Julie) Volesky, Amanda (Tracy) Coffland, Jeremy (Chrissie) Volesky, Michael (Amy) Volesky, Patrick (Emily) Volesky, Katie (Matt) Elsea, Rachel Volesky, Andy Volesky, Jason (Cindy) Walter, Ryan Walter, Lisa (Mark) Davis, Jill Whittlesey and fiancée Joe Dobler, Laura Volesky, Elizabeth (Ryan) Nielsen, Nicholas Volesky; and twelve greatgrandchildren; a brother John (Adeline) Volesky and a sister Eleanor (Dale) Hegland all of Cedar Rapids, and a sister Evelyn Thuerauf of Joplin, Missouri; sisters in law Irene Novak of Solon, Leona (Ray) Westemeier of Cedar Rapids, and Marjorie Volesky of Newhall; and a brother in law Louie Novak of Tiffin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Marvin; brothers-in-law Bill Novak and Bernerd Thuerauf, sister-in-law Ulana Novak, and a granddaughter Michelle Walter.

Memorial may be directed to the family.