Lawrence Philip Mathiowetz, 89, long time West Richland resident, current resident of Richland, passed away November 16, 2006 in Richland, WA. He was born August 10, 1917 in the family home in Eden Township, Brown County, Morgan, MN and has lived in the Tri-Cities area since early 1960’s.

Larry grew up in southwestern Minnesota in a farming community. He left home shortly after his 21st birthday and worked for a short time in Fairfax, Minnesota for an auto and farm equipment dealer. He then moved to Los Angeles, California and attended trade school at night over the next seven years. It was there that he met Ruth, the love of his life. She was a waitress at a restaurant Larry frequented. They moved to Portland, Oregon where Larry held several jobs within the tool and die making trade. Larry and Ruth lived in the Portland area for about nine years until his employer, Standard Oil, transferred them to Grand Junction, Colorado for three years. From there Standard Oil transferred them to Kennewick, WA. In 1966, Ruth was diagnosed with M.S. To stay in the area, Larry took a job with the Hanford Project. He worked for General Electric, United Nuclear and retired from Battelle Northwest where he worked as a millwright.

Larry was a member of Christ the King Church and a lifetime member of Knights of Columbus. He was a devoted husband, ensuring Ruth had the best of care. He was a very good man, admired by many.

Survivors include his sister, Anna; brother, Martin Mathiowetz; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wife, Ruth Cannon Mathiowetz; brothers, Agnes, Francis, George, Andrew and Paul; sister, Clara; and parents, Frank and Margaretha Rauch Mathiowetz.

A special appreciation should be expressed to Helen, Duke, Dr. Oberg and the many others who truly enriched Larry’s and Ruth’s lives.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Monday, November 20, 2006 at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Richland, Washington. Visitation will be 3:00-5:00 PM Sunday the 19th at Einan's Funeral Home, Richland.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice at Tri-Cities Chaplaincy, 2108 W. Entiat, Kennewick, WA 99336; or to Christ the King Building Fund, 1111 Stevens Drive, Richland, WA 99352.