Laurence Herman Mark

Laurence Herman Mark, 95, of Centralia, Washington, passed away Jan. 8, 2016 at Providence Centralia Hospital. He was born March 16, 1920 in Long Pine, Nebraska to Ottis and Mary Mark. After struggling through the years of drought and The Great Depression, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1939. Laurence served in the 75th Infantry Division as a machine gunner. During World War II, he fought in the European Campaign, including the Battle of the Bulge and helped free the Jews from the internment camps. After returning State side, Laurence went to work for the United States Postal Service as a Postal Clerk in Eugene, Oregon. It was there that he met his wife of 65 years, Josephine. Together, they were blessed with one son, Paul.

During his retirement years, Laurence traveled throughout Europe and wrote two books, “Days of Action” and “Lonesome Whistle.” He spent many hours helping in the construction of the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis, Washington. In fact, he played such a crucial role that the museum named their library after him. Laurence was a loving father and a devoted husband. He will be forever loved and truly missed.

Laurence is survived by his wife, Josephine; and son, Paul.

A visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m., Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, followed by a funeral service at 6:30 p.m., at Sticklin Funeral Chapel in Centralia. A graveside with Military Funeral Honors will be at 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016, at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd., Happy Valley, OR 97086.