Charles B. Lawernce

Gunderson Funeral Home Lawrence, Charles B. "Bruce" > MADISON - Charles B. "Bruce" Lawrence, age 63, passed away on Wednesday, April 25, 2007, at his home, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born Oct. 20, 1943, in Orange, N.J., the son of David and Janet (McCarthy) Lawrence. Bruce grew up in Dallas, Texas. He began his career as an Air Force Russian Linguist for two years, then spent 35 years in the jewelry profession and eight years in the car industry, where he had a special love of his time with Lexus. In 1964, Bruce was married to Sharon Koenig for 10 years and together they had three children, Dawn, Terra and Garret. In 1983, he was united in marriage to Cynthia Bitterly and they had three children, Jack, Mitchell and Aly. Bruce had a variety of interests and loved adventure, flying airplanes and helicopters including aerobatic stunt flying. He earned his private pilots license in 1978 and his helicopter license in 1982. Bruce also enjoyed many sports, including tennis, golf, skiing, scuba diving, motorcycles and he could beat anyone at ping pong or shooting pool. He loved music and played the guitar for more than 50 years. He will be remembered as a great storyteller and motivator to the kids and was always available to offer advice and guidance. Bruce had many friends and treasured most the time spent with his wife and children. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Cynthia; their children, Jack, Mitchell and Aly, all of Madison; three children from his previous marriage, Dawn (Phil) McQueen of Swansea, Ill., Terra (Kevin) King of Middletown, Del. and Garret (Jennifer) Lawrence of St. Louis, Mo. and their mother, Sharon Koenig; five grandchildren, Keegan, Kristen, Andrew, Jacob and Sydney; three brothers, Dave Lawrence and Tim (Renie) Lawrence, both of Texas and Peter Lawrence of California; two nieces, Sandy and Robyn; two nephews, David and Bruce; and the family cat, Max. He was preceded in death by his parents; a mother-in-law, Mary Bitterly; and the family cat, Milo. Funeral services will be held at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 29, 2007, with Chaplain Annette Cleary presiding. Family and friends may call on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. The family would like to extend a special thank you to HospiceCare, PDQ for the wonderful muffins and for all the love and support from friends and family over the last four months. Memorials may be made to the Lawrence Children Education Fund. Gunderson West Funeral and Cremation Centers 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761 www.gundersonfh.com