Robert Louis Laurent, age 91, of Oshkosh, died peacefully on Tuesday morning with his family at his side. Robert was born on June 16, 1920, in Green Bay, Wisconsin to Louis J. and Mayme (Carpiaux) Laurent. He grew up in Green Bay and graduated from Green Bay East High School in 1937.
He was an accomplished musician and played with bands in various supper clubs and dance halls in the Green Bay area until his entry into active duty with the US Army Air Corps in 1941. He proudly served in the European Theater as a Tech Sgt on a B26 Medium Bomber. After his discharge from active duty in September 1945, he returned to Green Bay and resumed his musical life.
On May 18, 1946, Robert married Annabelle Lorraine Budd in Green Bay. She preceded him in death on March 13, 1984, after 38 years of marriage. Robert began his railroad career in December 1947, working for the Northern Pacific Railroad in Beach, North Dakota. He returned to Green Bay in the spring of 1948 to work for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, retiring after 34 years.
Survivors include two sons, Paul (Kathy) Laurent of Oshkosh, David (Shelly) Laurent of Van Dyne; and a daughter, Susan Coenen of Oshkosh. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Scott (Amber) Laurent of Omro, Lisa (Andy) Lloyd of Pickett and Nicole (Kevin) McNiesh of Oshkosh. He is further survived by seven great grandchildren, Emily, Bryanna Laurent, McKenna Lloyd, Jaxen Lloyd, Brandon Laurent, Wyatt McNiesh and Westin Lloyd. He is also survived by one sister, Shirley Bublitz of Colorado Spring, Colorado and many nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, one infant brother, Quinten; his wife, Annabelle; and special friend and companion, Phyllis Tetzlaff. Robert was a member of American Legion Post 70, Oshkosh; Timber Toppers Square Dance Club; Valley Carousel Round Dance Club and Classic County Lind Dance Club. He and Phyllis enjoyed all types of dancing and were awarded a Presidential Award in Dance in March 2000. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Oshkosh.
Funeral Services for Robert will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 311 Division St., Oshkosh, at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 2, 2012, with visitation at 9:30 until the time of the service at the church. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery on Tuesday, at 11:00 a.m. Please visit www.seefeldfuneral.com to send online condolences to the family.
Seefeld Funeral and
Cremation Services
1025 Oregon Street
(920) 236-7750