Timothy Duane Lawrence

Timothy Duane “Tim” Lawrence, 80, of Crystal Lake, Illinois, passed away quietly at home on November 30, sitting next to his wife of 59 years, the love of his life, Mary Kay.

Tim was born in Chicago on New Year's Eve in 1942 and grew up on Mason Avenue on the far west side of the city. He met Mary Kay at Immaculate Conception High School in Elmhurst, IL where he excelled on the football field and track. Tim and Mary Kay married while he was a student at the University of Notre Dame, where he graduated from in 1965. They cheered for the Fighting Irish for the rest of his life, flying the ND flag in front of their house and posting game updates on the family Facebook page. Tim and Mary Kay raised six children in Crystal Lake and loved spending time with them and their 17 grandchildren as they grew and scattered across the country and globe.

Tim will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to family, clever wit, humility, and brilliant storytelling. He demonstrated how to live a wonderful life through hard work, loyalty, curiosity, and especially by his example as a husband and father. A pragmatic optimist, any encounter with Tim left you feeling better about yourself, and better about your path forward.

Tim’s nearly 40-year career as General Manager of Conlon Collins Ford in Crystal Lake made him a familiar figure in the community. For many years he also served as an election judge in his home precinct. He was an acute observer of people and loved gathering tales about the characters he met. Even his hobbies collecting model boats, trains, and duck decoys brought him to obscure places where the stories of the craftsmen he encountered were collected alongside their workmanship. He delighted his grandchildren by composing and telling vivid, engaging tales for their annual Halloween party. He even took his talent onto the stage. After years of driving Mary Kay to and from rehearsals of The Nutcracker ballet, for which she was the wardrobe mistress, he was persuaded to take on a small role as the Grandfather in the opening party scene. His energy and creativity expanded the part until it became a much-anticipated highlight of the annual December production at Woodstock Opera House. When he retired after 20 years of performing, Judith Svalander retired Tim’s version of the role as well.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Duane, and Lucille (nee Conlon) Lawrence. He is survived by his wife Mary Kay (nee Klouda) and their six children: Duane (Sara) of Chelwood Gate, UK, Eileen (Brad Johnson) of Barrington, Liam (Maureen) of Glen Ellyn, Nora Kay (Andy Pelt) of Andover, MA, Bridgett Ane (Simon Goddard) of Brighton, UK, and Tim (Beth) of Fishers, IN, and 17 grandchildren: Brennan, Connor, Shea, and Kelton Lawrence, Hayden and Mason Johnson, Ella, Lucy, Curran and Logan Lawrence, Tyler, Ethan and Benjamin Pelt, Tim and Charlotte Lawrence, and Ruby and Lillis Goddard, his sisters Suzanne Rogers and Katherine Miller, and several beloved nieces and nephews.

The Lawrence family invites everyone to celebrate a life well lived, on Wednesday, December 6th from 4-7pm (eulogy at 6pm) at The Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake. The family will lay ashes privately at a later date.

Donations may be made to the Yellowstone Forever foundation at https://www.yellowstone.org