Lauren D. Mai, age 83, of Appleton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 3, 2019 at ThedaCare Hospital in Appleton. Lauren was born in Eau Claire on June 14, 1935, to the late Herbert and Marion (Gerber) Mai. After graduating High School, Lauren proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
He recently participated in the Honor Flight – the experience was one of the highlights of his life. On July 21, 1956, he was united in marriage to Ellen Nelson. The couple have enjoyed 62 years together.
Lauren graduated from Dominican College in Racine. He worked as a school teacher for many years with the Appleton Public School System. Lauren was an avid fisherman.
He enjoyed going for moped rides and his vacations to Hawaii, England, Germany, and Australia. Lauren loved music and he played with many bands, choirs, and symphonies where he sang, directed, and played stand-up bass fiddle. Most recently, he was a member of the 5 Milers and loved their various performances.
But most of all, Lauren loved spending time with his family – especially his camping trips with his sons and his road trips all over the U.S. with his grandkids. Many wonderful memories were made, and he touched many lives during his time here on earth. Lauren was very active in his community.
He was an Outagamie County Supervisor for five years, Board Chairman of CAP Services for 23 years, directed Thompson Center Choirs, and was a member of the Kiwanis Club. Lauren was also a very active member at Zion Lutheran Church where he taught confirmation, belonged to the choir for 44 years, and served on many committees. He will be missed by his loving wife, Ellen, Appleton; his four sons: Larry (Karen), Jeffrey (Vicki), Danny (Carrie), and Thomas (Kim); 3 grandchildren: Miranda (Michael), Justin, and Rebecca; 4 step-grandchildren: Tony (Tara), Colleen (Billy), Kris, and Jadyn; 2 great grandchildren: Miles and Kingston; 6 step great grandchildren: Kohen, Ally, Macey, Eleanor, Hayze, and Harper; and former daughters-in-law Bethany Mai and Debra (Mai) Smith.
He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Lauren passed peacefully into the loving arms of his parents Herbert and Marion, 3 brothers: Alan, Bill, and John; a sister, Mary, and great grandson Jackson. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, February 7, at Zion Lutheran Church, 912 N. Oneida St., Appleton, with Rev.
Judy Deckert officiating. Full military honors performed by Appleton Legion Post #38 will follow. Friends may visit from 4 to 7 pm on Wednesday at the Brettschneider-Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel, and from 10 to 11:15 am on Thursday at the church.
Interment will take place at Highland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire third floor staff at ThedaCare Hospital in Appleton, and to ThedaCare Hospice for the compassionate care given to Lauren.
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