Funeral services for Lawrence C, Swehla, age 80, of Albert Lea will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home. The Rev. John Bromeland will officiate. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Visitation is 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services on Monday.

Lawrence died Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2004, in Birmingham, Ala.

Lawrence Charles Swehla was born Aug. 1, 1923, to Charles and Eunice (Powers) Swehla in Albert Lea. He attended schools in Albert Lea, graduating from Albert Lea High School in 1941. Charles served in the United States Navy during World War II. After his discharge, he returned to Albert Lea and was employed by Montgomery Ward until his retirement in 1985.

On Oct. 5, 1952, Charles was united in marriage to Gilma Bendickson in Emmons. He was a member of the VFW and the United Methodist Church and enjoyed golfing and bowling.

Survivors include his children: Debra and her husband David Kleindl of Shakopee, DeeAnn Swehla of Birmingham, Ala., Douglas and his wife Theresa Swehla of Champlin, Minn., and Gloria Thomas of Birmingham, Ala.; grandchildren: Carissa, Theresa, Vanessa, Christopher and Jessica Kleindl, Danielle, Darro and Darrio Swehla, and Travis, Mitch, Greg, Keely and Mark Swehla; and his faithful companion, Taco Belle.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Gilma.