D. (Dowell) Joseph Lalor

Lalor, D. (Dowell) Joseph MADISON-D. (Dowell) Joseph Lalor, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014. He was born on Oct. 9, 1939, at St. Mary’s Hospital, in Madison, the son of Dowell Joseph, Sr. and Leona J. (Neumoff) Lalor. He was baptized at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Madison and confirmed at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Montello. Joe graduated from Montello High School in May, 1958, where he excelled in basketball. He married Annette Decot at the Rio Lutheran Church on Aug. 30, 1958. From the age of 5 on, with the encouragement of his mother, he developed a strong interest in searching for American Indian artifacts, building an impressive collection of specimens found in Wisconsin as well as Kentucky. At a very young age he was allowed to join Archeologists from the U.W. in their “digs” to collect artifacts for their study and collection. This interest was passed on to his wife and later to his three children and accounted for many family trips and outings for all of them to add to the ever-growing collection and displays. Joe loved the outdoors and nature and was also an avid fisherman and hunter. Fish, fowl and venison were staples in the family’s menu for many years and he passed on his love of hunting to his children and his love of fishing to Melanie. Joe worked for MG&E for 42 years until his early retirement due to numerous medical problems. His co-workers, Bob, Mark, Charlie and Kaia were also faithful friends who made it a point to stay in touch with him over the many years that his disabilities kept him mostly housebound. They, along with Phil Anderson and Bob Colwell (deceased) were there to keep his spirits up and the family will forever be grateful for their friendship. Our church family, Pastor Jeff, “The Breakfast Bunch”, Gene and Judi Decot, and “The Pine Cone Bunch” are also so much appreciated for their love and support as well as their transportation to all the numerous clinic, hospital and doctor appointments. We could never be described as rich in material things, but the friendships, love and unending support of all these people has made us unbielevably rich in the things that really count. We have been so blessed. Joe was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church since 1968, serving as a greeter and usher. Joe is survived by his wife, Annette of Madison; daughter, Laurie Jo (Mark) Neesvig of Monona; son, Donne Patrick (Beth) Lalor of Monona; daughter, Melanie Ann (Bob) Weiss of Montello; grandchildren, Joseph (Tabatha) Lalor, Ashley Anne (Myles) Wegner; Justin (fiance’ Kaolee) Lalor, Anne Lalor, Brandon Lalor, Nate Neesvig, Karissa (friend Dave) Neesvig, Laramie-Leigh (friend Derek) Weiss and Lydia Lalor; great-grandchildren, Aiyana, Jaiden, Micah, Easton, Bruchs and Maverick; brothers, Cary (Barb) Lalor, David (Kelly) Lalor, John (Donna) Lalor, Dan (Judy) Lalor; brother-in-law, Bryan Pentecost; and many nieces, nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Sharon Pentecost. A Funeral Service will be held at MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHUCH, 5202 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, at Noon, on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 with Pastor Jeff Vanden Heuvel presiding. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the chuch from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420