Marshall Bruce Lawson

Marshall Bruce Lawson, age 84, passed away peacefully with his children by his side on June 6, 2022. Marshall was born in Lake Park, IA on January 26, 1938 to William and Carrie (nee Northey) Lawson. Marshall is survived by his children, Allen (Ann) Lawson, Crystal (Pete) Lawson Kocian and LaRae (Matt) Lawson Lafrenz; his grandchildren, Kyle (Stefanie) Lawson, Kelsey Lawson, Jessalyn (Bryce) Kelly, Megan (Josh Secord) Lafrenz and Alex Lafrenz; great-grandchildren, Harper Lawson, Laken Lawson and Gavin Kelly; nephews, Mark (Tammy) Lewis, Todd Lewis, David Lewis and Billy (Amanda) Lewis; nieces, Jennifer Dobrunz, Kayla Lewis, Allie (Ryan) Lewis and Kristina Lewis; and will be missed by many other family and friends. Marshall is preceded in death by his parents; and his wife Janice (nee Mansfield). Born on the Lawson family farm in Lake Park, Iowa, farming was a big part of Marshall’s life. As a child and young adult, Marshall helped on the farm raising dairy cattle and growing typical Iowa crops. After starting his married life and family with Janice, he finished his bachelor’s degree in Economics at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa before returning to the family farm for a few years. Marshall would then take his love of farming into a different direction, moving his young family to Bettendorf, Iowa to work for John Deere as an engineer and manager for 28 years. Marshall was a quiet man whose entire life centered around family and farming. Both were at the core of everything he did. Marshall and Janice’s definition of family was not defined by blood. Any and all who entered their home was considered family. In the early days, Marshall was a little league coach, swim parent, and avid spectator at all of the sports and activities for his family. This support carried on into the next generation as he enjoyed many games, matches, plays and concerts for his grandchildren, great nieces and nephews near and far. Keeping abreast of farming trends and reports remained long after his John Deere career ended as he continued to oversee the business end of the family farm that has been in operation since 1887. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Bettendorf Community Schools Foundation in care of the Janice Lawson Eternal Spirit Award in Marshall’s name are appreciated. A small service to honor Marshall’s life will be held in the chapel at Davenport Memorial Cemetery at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 25th followed by a private burial service.