Gerald D. Lawrence, 84, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026.
He was born on July 12, 1941, in Hanna, Indiana, to the late Harold and Verda (Krueger) Lawrence.
Gerald built a long and dedicated career in banking, rising from teller to vice president and branch manager at La Porte Bank and Trust Company’s Union Mills branch. He began his career in Wanatah and later served as an agricultural loan officer at multiple locations throughout the La Porte community. Over the years, he was also affiliated with First Merchants National Bank of Michigan City and Wells Fargo Bank for two decades before returning to La Porte Bank and Trust Company.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gerald was deeply committed to community service. He served for 12 years as both a director and a former president of the Visiting Nurses Association board. He also held leadership roles as president of the Northern Indiana Installment Bankers Association and chairman of the United Way Audit Committee. His civic involvement included serving on the board of Hanna First Lutheran Church, active membership in the Union Mills Lions Club, and holding several offices at Bethany Lutheran Church.
In addition, he was a proud member of the Fish Lake Volunteer Fire Department. Following his retirement from banking, Gerald continued his strong work ethic at Johnson’s Dairy Farm.
On June 25, 1960, Gerald married Maxine Shei, who preceded him in death on January 4, 2026. Together, they shared a loving life and raised their family. He is survived by his children: Mike (Kelly) Lawrence of La Porte, Pam (Sam, deceased) Scalf of Calvert City, Kentucky, and Steven (Teresa) Lawrence of Union Mills, Indiana; grandchildren: Joe (Rachel) Eichberger, Kait (Hannah) Cohen, Hannah Lawrence, Corrine (Caleb) Lawrence, Alyssa Lawrence, and Kayla Lawrence; great-grandchildren: Arthur and Millie; and a sister, Marla Thombleson of Indianapolis, Indiana.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a son, Douglas Lawrence, and brothers, Wallace and Richard Lawrence.
Visitation will be held from 9 - 11 AM Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.
A Funeral Service will follow the visitation in the Funeral Home at 11 AM on Saturday.
Burial will be at Hanna Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kingsbury Volunteer Fire Department, 111 S. Main Street, Kingsbury, Indiana 46345.
To light a virtual candle, share a cherished memory, or leave a message of comfort for Gerald’s family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com.
