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John Mark Lawson

September 11, 1957 - February 10, 2021
Memorial

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of John M. Lawson to any of the following organization:

  • AIM at Melanoma (aimatmelanoma.org) – supporting melanoma research
  • Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church – Camping and Retreat Ministries (wiumcamps.org) or any Wisconsin Health and Welfare Ministry
  • Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church – Camping and Outdoor Ministries https://www.inumc.org/ministries/camping-outdoor/about/ and scroll to the bottom of the page to donate.

 

John M. Lawson transitioned from this life into God’s Heavenly Home on February 10, 2021, tenderly cared for at Angels Grace Hospice and surrounded by loved ones at the age of 63.  He had been receiving treatment for melanoma over several years.

John is preceded in death by both his parents, David J. and Martha E. Lawson, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Howard and Geneatha Albaugh, and his brother-in-law Robert Cochrun.

John is survived by his loving wife, Louann, and amazing son, Matthew.  He is also survived by his sister, Karen Eynon, and her husband, Ray, their children Rachel and Jacob, and Rachel’s daughter, Ava; his uncle, John C. Lawson and his wife, Lilia, and son, Vlad; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews in the Lawson, Pegram, and Albaugh families.

John graduated from Harrison High School in Evansville IN, attended University of Evansville and Harlaxton College, graduated from Indiana University with B.A. in sociology as well as graduate degrees in Law and Public Affairs with an emphasis in law and health planning. He also held a Master of Health Administration from St. Joseph’s College of Maine.

Throughout his career, John has provided excellent administrative leadership with the following organizations:  Otterbein Homes in Lebanon, Ohio; Mary Scott Nursing Center in Dayton, Ohio; Glenburn Home in Linton, Indiana; Three Pillars Senior Living Facilities in Dousman and Shawano, Wisconsin; Pathway Health; and Ovation Sarah Chudnow in Mequon, Wisconsin.

A quote that exemplifies his leadership and integrity throughout his career:

“I just want you to know how much I have enjoyed getting to know you, and working with you, all along the way.  I will never forget when we asked you to consider taking the job permanently, the way you described your affection for faith-based not for profits.  It shows in everything you do and everything you stand for.  I have learned a lot from you about graciousness, and about calmness in the face of difficult situations and families, and from observing your morality and ethical core guiding you in all that you express and create.”

John never felt the call to ordained ministry, but he served his church as a lay member to annual conferences in Indiana and Wisconsin and was elected a jurisdictional and/or general conference delegate multiple times over the past 25 years. Health and Welfare ministries were not only his vocation but also one of his passions as he served on and/or chaired these conference level committees. John also valued his participation in the United Methodist Association, especially as an EAGLE commission member and accreditation team leader at dozens of organizations across the country.

He gave large amounts of time to organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and Camping Ministries.  He savored his time spent with close friends playing board games and D & D and volunteering for live and virtual True Dungeon immersive adventures.

A private service is planned for Saturday, February 20, 2021, 1:00 PM at Gethsemane United Methodist Church.  The service will also be streamed live via the Church’s Facebook page at facebook.com/PewaukeeUMC/

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of John M. Lawson to any of the following organization:

  • AIM at Melanoma (aimatmelanoma.org) – supporting melanoma research
  • Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church – Camping and Retreat Ministries (wiumcamps.org) or any Wisconsin Health and Welfare Ministry
  • Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church – Camping and Outdoor Ministries https://www.inumc.org/ministries/camping-outdoor/about/ and scroll to the bottom of the page to donate.
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Memorial

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of John M. Lawson to any of the following organization:

  • AIM at Melanoma (aimatmelanoma.org) – supporting melanoma research
  • Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church – Camping and Retreat Ministries (wiumcamps.org) or any Wisconsin Health and Welfare Ministry
  • Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church – Camping and Outdoor Ministries https://www.inumc.org/ministries/camping-outdoor/about/ and scroll to the bottom of the page to donate.
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  John M. Lawson transitioned from this life into God’s Heavenly Home on February 10, 2021, tenderly cared for at Angels Grace Hospice and surrounded by loved ones at the age of 63.  He had been receiving treatment for melanoma over several years. John is preceded in death by both his parents, David J. andContinue Reading

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Deborah Thompson left a message on August 3, 2021:
I just found out today that John had passed. He was a great guy he will truly be missed
Dean Pullliam left a message on February 18, 2021:
It is with deep sadness and grief that I have received news of John's transition to his Heavenly Home. With a sense of personal loss, I acknowledge John as a 'brother in ministry' as he stalwartly uplifted, defended & championed the institutional, human service ministries that are related to The United Methodist Church, not just in Indiana or Wisconsin, but across the US and around the World. I extend condolences to John's loving wife, Luann, his son, Matthew and to his extended family. John & Luann participated in the first-ever EAGLE Accreditation Program, Peer Reviewer Training event along with their newborn son, Matthew, who became infamous among John & Luann's United Methodist Association colleagues as "the youngest EAGLE Peer Reviewer." Many early successes for the EAGLE Program can be attributed to the support & involvement by both, John and Luann...with Matthew in tow..! Although not inclined to pursue the formal ministry, John's contributions to 'the Church' were numerous and remarkable. His spirit of compassion for others and concerns for the quality of care for persons served through institutional ministries of the Church modeled a personal commitment to 'do as Jesus would require.' Rest in peace, brother.
Eric LeFeber left a message on February 18, 2021:
John or "Harlax" as I knew him from years of playing True Dungeon, was a positive and uplifting force in our community. Just last year, he, Stephen, and I were a team in the trenches of the 2021 Figther Legendary Token design. It lasted longer than any of us thought but we each took our turns fighting for the common cause; of a better token. John was a tenacious two-handed fighter and he will be greatly missed.
Jeff Martin left a message on February 16, 2021:
My deepest condolences to all who had the privilege to know John. He was the rare type of person who lifted everyone around him. Just being in his presence inspired you to be a better person. The world is most definitely a lesser place with his absence.
Stephen Donovan left a message on February 16, 2021:
John was a great man and will sorely be missed.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Brian Summers left a message on February 15, 2021:
I truly enjoyed knowing John for the past ten years, and it's no coincidence that I have so many great memories from times when he was present. He will be greatly missed, and I'm so sorry for your loss.
Steve Zekoff left a message on February 15, 2021:
The UMC has lost a faithful servant who had an in-depth understanding of its workings at all levels pf our international denomination. It was my privilege to have the opportunity to work with John. His knowledge, insights and unwavering commitment will be missed.
Karen Semrad left a message on February 14, 2021:
Loann, Matthew, and family, my heart aches for you. I will continue to pray for God’s strength, peace, and comfort to surround you in the days, and months ahead. John was truly a man of God. Karen
Janis Brown left a message on February 13, 2021:
I met John in the very early 80s at IU, gamed with him for years in Bloomington, and recently reconnected in a Zoom D&D game of old friends. It has been a pandemic bright spot playing D&D with this group, and I hope it was for him, as well. John was always really good to me and it made me happy when I could make him laugh. I am so sorry for your loss.
Cheryl Studzinski left a message on February 13, 2021:
My deepest sympathy to the entire Lawson family. John was a lovely soft spoken man. I had the opportunity to get acquainted with John during a healthcare expo. John, along with his wonderful wife Louann have always been warm and caring people. Rest In Peace.
Sue LaGrange left a message on February 13, 2021:
My heart goes out to you, Louann and Matthew - and to all family members and friends who loved such a good man so dearly. He will be missed by the many, many people that he touched. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Martin family in Indiana left a message on February 13, 2021:
Heartfelt condolences to John’s family
Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. left a message on February 13, 2021:
Elizabeth and I offer our prayers and condolences to the Lawson family on the death and resurrection of our friend and brother, Mr. John M. Lawson. We knew him as kind, gentle, faithful, and loving. His witness will live on and may his spirit find its eternal home in heaven above. May God's Holy Spirit supply comfort, care, and direction to his posterity and to all who knew and loved him.
Brad Mortensen left a message on February 13, 2021:
What a kind and generous man, to friends and strangers. I’m sure his family knows how wonderful he was. Those of us who didn’t know him as well saw it, too. I’m sad I won’t see him again in this world, but I’ve no doubt he is in a much better one. My deepest condolences.
Michele Pickett Burks left a message on February 13, 2021:
Our prayers are with Luann and Matthew during their time of loss. John was a man of God, a leader and mentor for many people. I had the privilege to work with John and Luann early in my career and I have reflected many times on knowledge I gained.
Hansen Hillmer left a message on February 12, 2021:
I have many great memories in scouting with John and his son. I was stunned to hear of his passing. My sympathies go out to the Lawson family.
Leah Killian-Smith left a message on February 12, 2021:
May God bless your precious family during this difficult time.
Kay Warthen left a message on February 12, 2021:
The family are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
John Romer left a message on February 12, 2021:
In memory of John Mark Lawson, John Romer lit a candle
Rebecca Griffith left a message on February 12, 2021:
Louann my friend, I admire your strength and compassion in all you have accomplished and all you did for your family. I can’t be there with you & family but know my heart my prayers and love are. You are an amazing woman who married an amazing man. God bless.
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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