Stanley "Stan" Amil Lawrence

Stanley “Stan” Amil Lawrence, 94, of Central City, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, in Central City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at St. Stephen Catholic Church, located at 4700 Valley Farm Road, in Central City. The Reverend Sean Smith will officiate. Committal services with full military honors will follow at Mt. Clark Cemetery, in Central City.

Stan was born on April 22, 1932, in Monticello, Iowa, one of four children to Amil Wesley and Julia Mary (Drahos) Lawrence. At the age of 13, his father passed away and Stan helped his mother run the family farm. He was a lifelong resident of the Central City-Prairieburg area and graduated from Central City High School. On September 2, 1953, Stan was united in marriage to the love of his life, Marianne Kerchill, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Prairieburg, Iowa. To this union, two children were born, Kathy and Steven. Stan served with the United States Army from 1955 to 1957. After he was honorably discharged from the service, Stan came back to Central City and for several years, Stan and Marianne worked alongside Marianne’s parents at the former Blue Front Tavern in Central City. He also worked for Howe Construction and Passmore Funeral Home prior to attending mortuary school.

Later, Stan graduated from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He became a licensed funeral director in 1966 and began his long and distinguished career with Murdoch Funeral Home. Throughout the years, Stan served and supported countless families during some of life's most difficult moments. The number of families he helped is truly immeasurable, and his compassionate service has left a lasting impact on the community for decades. Even though Stan had attempted retirement in 1994, he continued to direct funeral services for families in and around his community until a few months ago. Stan was a 60-year member of the Iowa Funeral Directors Association.

Stan was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church, where he faithfully served on the Parish Council for several years. His commitment to others extended throughout the Central City community, including serving on the City Council and as a volunteer firefighter. Stan was also a proud member of American Legion Wapsi Post 421 and AMVETS Post 37. For many years, he called BINGO and helped organize the Legion's BINGO program, which became a successful fundraising effort. Through his dedication and leadership, Stan played a significant role in raising the funds needed to construct the current American Legion Wapsi Post 421 Hall, helping to leave a lasting legacy for fellow veterans and the community.

Together with Marianne, Stan enjoyed going on countless trips with the 4L Farm Group, Farmers State Bank Mystery Trips, traveling all over the world, including eight times to Europe, and numerous cruises. He also enjoyed being outdoors with their yellow labs and working on his acreage.

Stan is survived and lovingly remembered by his daughter, Kathy (Rick) Sole of Hixson, Tennessee; son, Steven Lawrence (Tracey Fredrickson) of Central City; grandchildren, Shannon Sole (Joe Moser) of Des Moines, Iowa, Allison (Bryce) Cunningham of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Caitlin Sole of Des Moines, and Elliot and Abbey Lawrence; great-grandchildren, Maren, Nolan, Faye and Griffin; brother, Gilbert (Rita) Lawrence of Hiawatha, Iowa; one sister, Virginia (Marvin) Elliott of Long Grove, Iowa; many special nieces and nephews; and his beloved yellow lab, Duke.

He was preceded into eternal life by his parents; beloved bride, Marianne; and one sister, Theresa Hood.

Memorials in Stan’s memory may be directed to the Central City American Legion Wapsi Post 421, Fire Department or Library.