Lawrence Joseph Paradis

September 3, 2011 Woodburn. Lawrence Joseph Paradis passed away at his home where he had lived 62 of his 88 years after a relatively short struggle with liver and pancreatic cancer surrounded by his wife and children. Lawrence was born November 26, 1922 at the Paradis homestead farm house near Brooks, Minnesota, the fifth of 10 children of Albert and Leona Paradis. He grew up on the farm helping his dad with the crops and animals. He graduated High School in 1941 and the family moved from Minnesota to Oak Grove, Oregon in 1942 where there were plenty of jobs for him and his brothers. He and three of his brothers were called to serve their country during WWII. Lawrence reported to Fort Lewis, WA for his enlistment in the US Army in early 1943. He was shipped to Camp Mackall, NC where the newly formed 11th Airborne was being assembled. He trained as glider and later parachute infantryman, obtaining expert rifleman and squad leader. He was shipped overseas in June of 1944 for jungle combat training in New Guinea. The 11th airborne was committed to their first combat role on the island of Leyte in the Philippines and later on Luzon for the liberation of Manila. He was awarded a Bronze star on Leyte and recommended for a Silver Star on Luzon by his colonel for exceptional leadership and heroism but because of an Army SNAFU it was never awarded. Lawrence was part of the first troop occupation of Japan and returned home January 1, 1946. After the war he worked at various jobs in the woods, sawmills and farms around Oregon and Northern California. He met his future wife Marilyn Knaeble in 1947 and would only take "Yes" for an answer to his question of marriage. They were married February 25, 1949 at St. Lukes Church in Woodburn where his parents were now living. Along with his father they bought the Butterfield farm just south of Woodburn on highway 99E and he began raising his family and farming. They had eight children there. He loved raising and milking his Jersey cows, sold raw milk in gallon jars for years under the name L&M Ranch. In addition, there were many different berries raised, strawberry, blackberry, marion, logan and santiams. He began working the slow winter months for Wolfers Heating in Woodburn installing furnaces. As his boys got older the farm duties where gradually turned over to them and he worked year around for Wolfers until his retirement. The dairy and most of the farm acreage was sold in 1972, retaining about five acres and the farm house. He never lost his love for horses and in his later years harness broke several horses to pull his doctor's buggy in parades and weddings. He loved the outdoors taking many horse camping trips into the Eaglecap Wilderness and fishing at every opportunity. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert, sisters Louise and Donna. He is survived by the love of his life, Marilyn, children Theresa Wichman, David, Patrick, Dennis, Peter, Lisa Trapp, Phillip, Ann Shultz, 23 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, sister Delia Melsness, brothers Wally, Roy, Donald, Lloyd and Dick,. A very big part of his entire life was his devotion to his Catholic faith and knowing his savior and our Lord, Jesus Christ. He was always available to help at St. Lukes and donated innumerable hours to the St. Vincent de Paul society. You only had to meet Lawrence once and he was your friend. He would never say "No" to anyone in need. His heart was large and his spirit strong to the very end. Funeral services will be held at 11am Friday Sept 9, 2011 with a rosary service Thursday at 7pm both at St. Lukes Church in Woodburn. Remembrances in his name may be donated to the St Vincent De Paul Society.

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