Racine- Lawrence Newton Jones, 62, passed away at the Wheaton Franciscan- All Saints Medical Center on Monday, September 17, 2007. Larry was born in Manitowoc, WI on May 8, 1945 to the late Newton Thomas and Kathryn Irma (nee: Soine) Jones. A graduate of Lincoln High School in Manitowoc, he went on to earn a double major from UW-Oshkosh. Years later, Larry graduated with a Masters degree from UW-Milwaukee. On August 19, 1967 in First Presbyterian Church – Manitowoc, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Mary Lou Gadzinski. Larry’s 37 year educational career began in 1968 at Washington Park High in Racine as a history teacher. Next, at age 28, he became directing principal of Howards Grove High and, shortly after, Cassville High. Following, Larry moved on to become assistant principal of Tremper High – Kenosha. Later, he was assigned as directing principal of Bradford High –Kenosha (was first principal of the current 39th Ave. location), In 1984, Larry was recognized as State Principal of the Year. Larry returned to his hometown to become Director of Secondary Education and HR for Manitowoc Public Schools. Finally, after missing the direct interaction with students, Larry returned to Racine to serve 12 years as a sub-school principal at William Horlick High School, retiring in 2006. Larry was an elder, usher and member of the worship committee at Covenant Presbyterian Church. An avid sports fan to say the least, he enjoyed watching basically all sporting events on television. Larry was a true history buff and avid reader. Known for his kindness and generosity, even in death, Larry is helping others by his donation through the organ and tissue program. Above all, he was happiest when in the surroundings of his entire family. Surviving are his loving wife of 40 years, Mary of Racine; their children, Kirsten Jones and Charlie (Dawn) Jones, both of Waukesha; brother, Thomas (Mary Ann) Jones; sister, Jan (Jim) Regitz; sister-in-law, Ann (Marty) Georgeson; brother-in-law, John (Julie) Gadzinski; and by nieces, nephews, other relatives, former students and friends. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his in-laws, Carol and Edwin Gadzinski. Funeral services will be held in Covenant Presbyterian Church, 40 Ohio Street, on Thursday, September 20, 2007 at 11:30 am with Rev. Melanie Hammond-Clark officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the church on Thursday from 9:30-11:30 am. In memory of Larry, memorials to Convenant Presbyterian Church. A special note of thanks to WFH – All Saints Medical Center for the compassionate care and to our family and friends for your prayers and support. God bless all of you!
Jamie (Meier) Mattek says
Mr. Jones was my principal at Bradford for all three of my years there. I graduated in 1984. I always found him to be a kind & fair principal. My sympathies to his family for your loss. He was a great man.
Frona Tenuta says
My deepest sympathy to Larry’s family. I was a colleague of Larry’s at RUSD and enjoyed working with him. He was truly a pleasure to work with. He will be missed.
El and Jean Kranen says
Dear Mary, Kristin and Charlie,
Our deepest sympathy on the death of your husband and father. We were so pleased to be able to get together with him and you, Mary, several times since retirement in WI and Las Vegas.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
El and Jean
Ivan Barra says
My deepest condolences to your family. I worked with Mr. Jones as a hall monitor at Horlick. He thought the world of his family and shared with pride what his kids were accomplishing as well as his love for Mary. I know work as a campus minister to Horlick and Larry was always so kind to me. We once sat at a cafeteria table as he shared with me how he felt is was God’s providence that on the one year anniversary of a scare with you Mary (I believe in Green Bay), you got the exact same hotel room on the exact day. He told me this with tears in his eyes in cafeteria full of students, across a lunch table. He loved you much. I look forward to having the honor of meeting you all. God bless and sustain you.
LeAnn Porter says
I was Larry’s secretary at Horlick High School for about 7 years. I was there when he started at Horlick. I found him to be a very intelligent, kind, generous person. He was very good with students and parents and many days we had lots of laughs. He loved his family and thought the world of you, Mary. I’m so sorry for your loss. He and you have been in my thoughts and prayers all week. God Bless your family.
victor moreno says
Larry and I worked together on several activities at the school. We did not see eye to eye all the time but he was committed to his work. I am sorry for your loss especially after retiring for such a short time. My deepest sympathy.
Nancy Jurkowski says
I send my sympathies with his wife and children. I graduated from Bradford in 86. My best wishes to all of you in this time of sorrow. Nancy