Robert M. Laurion

Robert Marion Laurion, age 86, passed away on Sunday, November 21, 2010, at his home.   ""Bob"" was born in Chicago, IL, on February 4, 1924, to LeRoi and Marion Laurion.   The family, including elder brother LeRoi, moved to Cranford, N.J. in 1928.   Bob graduated from Cranford High School in 1942, and from Northwestern University in 1946, with a B.S. in Engineering.   While at Northwestern, Bob enlisted in the Navy.   He took supplementary courses at the University of Illinois where he met his future wife Marilyn Riemann and attended Midshipman School at Notre Dame University, receiving a U.S.N.R. Ensign Commission in 1945.    Following graduation, Bob served in the Pacific and afterwards continued in the Navy Reserve, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Commander in 1984.     Bob and Marilyn married in 1948, and in 1951, Bob was hired by the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) as a Telephone Field Engineer for Wisconsin.   Bob worked for REA until 1968, when he was hired as Chief Engineer for Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS).   In 1984, he was named Vice President of Special Projects for TDS, and in 1986, he became President of American Communications Consultants, Inc. (ACC), an engineering subsidiary of TDS.    Bob retired in 1989, and continued to serve as a consultant for the firm.   Throughout his lifetime, Bob was an avid sportsman, excelling in baseball and basketball as a youth and enjoying tennis, golf, and sailing in his mid years.   He and Lyn loved adventures, whether visiting China or tending to their land in Coloma, WI.    Bob also was a dedicated member of the National and Wisconsin Societies of Professional Engineers, Madison West Kiwanis Club, Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, SCORE, and the Blackhawk Country Club.      Bob is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Marilyn, and their four children: Joan Laurion of Madison, WI; Tom Laurion and his wife Kathy Firchow of Lander, WY; Jim Laurion and his wife Suzanne of Boulder, CO; and Ruth Bowman and her husband Michael of Baton Rouge, LA.   Survivors also include four grandchildren: Manal Stulgaitis and her husband Alex O'Riordan, Catherine Wagler, Victor Laurion, and Henry Laurion and his wife Catelin.   Bob is further survived by his brother-in-law Bob Rieman and several nephews and nieces.   A memorial service will be held at Cress Funeral Service, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, November 29, 2010, with the Reverand Winton Boyd of Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ presiding.    A visitation starting at 10:30 a.m. will precede the service and a light luncheon will follow.      The family extends an especial thanks to those who helped Bob stay at home these last few months.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare, Inc., 5395 Cheryl Pkwy., Madison, 53711 (608-276-4660) or Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, 53711 (608-271-7212).