Obituary: Thomas “Tim” Lawrie

Col. (Ret.) Thomas “Tim” Lawrie, 73, of Baileys Harbor died suddenly Aug. 12, 2017, at his home after suffering an apparent heart attack.

He was born Oct. 16, 1943 in Berlin, Wisconsin.  He is the son of the late John and Vera (Moeller) Lawrie. Lawrie graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1961 and received his BA in Economics from UW – Milwaukee in 1964.  He also received his Master’s Degree in Business Administration in 1971 from UW – Milwaukee. On Sept. 17, 1966, he married Barbara Jean Brann at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Tim spent two tours in Vietnam as a combat officer.  He served as an Army Infantry Airborne soldier for more than 26 years retiring with the rank of Colonel in 1991. In 1967, he flew into Vietnam in the 1st 327 Infantry 101st Airborne Division as a rifle platoon leader and later a company commander. He was shot in combat and reassigned to Wisconsin as an ROTC instructor at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.  In 1972, he volunteered to serve a second tour in Vietnam working as an adviser to a South Vietnamese paratrooper battalion. Among his many recognitions and awards, he was awarded the Silver Star for bravery above self, and the Purple Heart for wounded in action.

Lawrie later became a partner in an international power project development firm, the Wing Group. He was a military consultant for NBC, MSNBC and Canadian Broadcasting Company appearing on numerous network and local news shows. Most recently he owned and operated Simon Creek Winery in Door County.

Lawrie’s greatest enjoyments in life were spending time with his family, traveling and running Simon Creek Winery.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Jean of Baileys Harbor; daughters, Heather (Jim) Smith, Meredyth (Lance) Nelson; four grandchildren, Anastasia Smith, Lance Thomas Nelson, Daria Smith, Alexa Nelson; beloved nieces, nephews, and step-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents, John and Vera Lawrie, and brother, Bill John Lawrie.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay. Military honors will follow.

Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Friends may call from 4 – 8 pm Friday, Aug. 18, 2017 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay and at the church Saturday from 9:30 am until the time of service.

Memorials may be made in his memory to the Wounded Warriors In Action (WWIA) and send to 421 Nebraska Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235.

Sign online guestbook and offer condolences at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com