Virgil William "Bill" Lawler, age 90, of Eau Claire died on Thursday, October 3, 2013, at Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire. He was born on February 4, 1923, in Sumner Township, Trempealeau Co, WI, to James and Sallie (Miller) Lawler. In Bill's earlier years, he was an original member of the Flying Eagles Ski Club from 1933 to 1940. He was inducted into the Eau Claire Ski Club Hall of Fame in 2008. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy on January 6, 1942, and served until his honorable discharge on November 7, 1947, as a Machinist Mate Second Class in the Pacific and Atlantic Theaters, during WWII. He continued to serve his country in the Navy Reserves from November 8, 1947, to November 7, 1952. Virgil married Caroline "Mitzi" S. Severson in Eau Claire on October 15, 1949. Bill was very active in the Chippewa Valley Boy Scouts for many years, starting with Troop #36 from Grace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire and later helped form Troop #124 from Mt. Washington School in Shawtown. Bill proudly raised his three sons to be Eagle Scouts. He worked many years as a machinist for Whites Machine Works/Gould National Battery and National Presto Industries. He later worked as a custodian at University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, retiring in 1997. Bill had a tremendous passion for the "outdoor" life, being an avid fisherman and hunter. He was an amazing shot with a bow or rifle. He loved deer hunting, taking many trips to the "shack" with his family and friends. Bill spent many hours in his Machine Shop at 608 Plum Street in Eau Claire, helping his family as well as his neighbors with many projects. He was also an avid Green Bay Packer fan. Bill is survived by his four children, Kirk (Janet) Lawler of Osceola, Angelyn (David) Mickelson of Eau Claire, Trenton Lawler of Eau Claire and Lane (Beverly) Lawler of Boulevard, CA; six grandchildren, Ryan and Kyle Lawler, Trevor, Chad (Sara), Tyler (Kaitlin) and Rachel Mickelson; two great-grandchildren, Lilah and Maxwell Mickelson; and brother, Robert Lawler; along with many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Caroline; and sister, Irene Kent. Visitation will be from 4 to 7PM on Monday, October 7, 2013, at Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave., Eau Claire. Funeral Service will be at 11AM on Tuesday, at Peace Lutheran Church, 501 E. Fillmore Ave., Eau Claire, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at church. Pastor James J. Whatley will be officiating. Interment will be in Rest Haven Cemetery in the Town of Washington with Military Honors conducted by the American Legion of Eau Claire, Post #53. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Eau Claire Ski Club / Flying Eagle Ski Club, 2809 E. Hamilton Avenue #132, Eau Claire WI, 54701, Peace Lutheran Church or Boy Scouts of America, Chippewa Valley Council, 710 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire WI, 54701.

Service Information

Cemetery

Rest Haven Cemetery 5750 Old Town Hall Road Eau Claire WI 54701

Visitation

Monday, October 7 2013 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services 814 First Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Tuesday, October 8 2013 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Peace Lutheran Church 501 E. Fillmore Ave. Eau Claire WI 54701

Funeral Service

Tuesday, October 8 2013 11:00 AM

Peace Lutheran Church 501 E. Fillmore Ave. Eau Claire WI 54701