Lawrence William Ryza

Lawrence William Ryza, 78, of La Grange, died on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at St. Mark’s Medical Center in La Grange. Lawrence was born on Dec. 6, 1935 in La Grange to William Martin and Lillian (Becka) Ryza. Following high school in La

Grange, he enlisted to serve his country in the United States Air Force on April 7, 1954 and was honorably discharged on April 6, 1962 from active and reserve duty. In 1958, he attended Barber College in Austin and came back to La Grange to barber at Dolezal’s Barber Shop and Charlie Ripper’s Barber Shop. A young family then encouraged him to move to Austin where he barbered at Garland’s Flat Top Shop in the University area in the mid to late 1960’s. In 1970, the family moved back to La Grange where Lawrence worked as a route salesman and later in 1975 he worked with Brown & Root Construction Company constructing the Fayette Power Plant. Upon completion of the plant, Unit 1, he was then  employed by Lower Colorado River Authority at the Fayette Power Project as a heavy equipment operator until his retirement in November of 1997. His family life began when he married Stacy (Anastasia) Evanicky on June 21, 1959 at

St. John’s Catholic Church in Fayetteville. They were blessed with three devoted children, Kenny, Melissa and Denise. Prior to his retirement, while his children were attending Sacred Heart School, Lawrence volunteered many hours in various church organization activities; he helped with the Sacred Heart School PTC fundraisers, barbequing for the KC fundraisers and was a Bingo caller for  the KC Monday night Bingo. Lawrence’s hobbies included opening Ryza’s BBQ

in the ‘80’s, hunting, fishing and cooking especially backyard barbequing for family and neighbors. He was the happiest spending time with friends and family, most certainly the grandchildren. He was a lifetime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and actively participated in the church ministry as an usher for many years. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Holy Name Society, Knights of Columbus, Chromcik Council #2574, 3rd degree, Sir Knight of the Bishop 

Odin Assembly #1095, 4th degree, KJT Society #46 and American Legion Post #102. Survivors include his wife, Stacy, of nearly 55 years; three children: son, Ken Ryza and wife, Barbie, of Cameron; two daughters, Melissa Maxwell of La Grange; and Denise Henderson and husband, Gil, of La Grange; seven grandchildren: Amanda Gommert and husband,

Stetson, of Bastrop; Sydni Alberthal and husband, Josh, of La Grange; Mical Maxwell of Austin; Luke Henderson and 

Jacob Henderson of La Grange; Rachel Ryza of Cameron; and Mitchell Maxwell of La Grange; two great-grandchildren: Kash and Weston Alberthal of La Grange; brother-in-law, Don Codenys of Fayetteville; and many other relatives and friends. Lawrence is preceded in death by his parents; parents-inlaw, Pete and Ella Evanicky; and sister-in-law, Judy Codenys. Visitation was held on Friday, May 30, 2014 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home. Family received friends beginning at 4 p.m. A Parish and Knights of Columbus rosary was recited at 6 p.m. A Funeral Mass was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Grange at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2014. Burial will follow at the La Grange City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Annunciation No. 1962 Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 275, La Grange, Texas 78945; Knights of Columbus #2574 Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 785, La Grange, Texas 78945; or a charity of one’s choice. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com. Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home in La Grange was in charge of arrangements.