LAWSON, John D., Jr., age 40

Died: Friday, September 9th, 2011

Visitation: family will receive friends one hour prior to the service

Celebration of Life Service: 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in McHenry, Illinois with Reverend Roger W. Schneider officiating

A service was also held on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at the residence of John & Karla (W25049 US Hwy 10) in Eleva, Wisconsin

In lieu of flowers, please offer donations to:
Paralyzed Veterans of America, PVA Donation Processing Center,
P.O. Box 758532, Topeka, KS  66675-8532
U.S. Paralympics Division, c/o United States Olympic Committee,
One Olympic Plaza, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.

John D. Lawson, Jr., age 40, died unexpectedly on Friday, September 9, 2011, as the result of a car accident.

John was born on December 15, 1970, in Evanston, IL to John D. Lawson, Sr. and Christine D. Fite.  He grew up in McHenry, Illinois, and graduated from McHenry East High School.  After high school he enlisted in the Navy, where he served as a SEA BEE at Mare Island, Vallejo, California.

John had many passions in life, which included archery, trap shooting, hunting, running a hobby farm, wheel chair basketball and wheel chair racing - both as a coach and as a participant.  He was a member of the U.S. Paralympic Wheel chair racing team from 1995-1999.

He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially the love of his life Karla Oestreich.  The two of them enjoyed many travels together, accompanied by their loyal companion Tara. Tara died peacefully by John's side at the accident.

John was a great friend to many, known for his irreverent personality; living life to the fullest.

He is survived by the love of his life, Karla Oestreich; father, John D. Lawson Sr. (Nancy) of McHenry, IL; mother, Christine Borch Lawson Fite (Richard) of Phoenix, AZ; sister, Julie D. Lawson of McHenry, IL; brother, Jeffrey D. Lawson of Phoenix, AZ; aunts, Janice Lawson Carlsten (Roy) of McHenry, IL and Ruth Borch Finlay (Donald) of Hinsdale IL; uncles, Walter William Lawson  (Laurie) of McHenry, IL and Robert C. F. Borch (Linda Wickstrom) of Elm Grove, WI; cousins, Julie (James) Schmidt, Leah (Scott) Baker, Kimberly (Benjamin) Brandt, Eric Lawson, Susan Finlay Wisher (William), Karin Jones (John), David Borch (Jennifer), and Cindy Borch; many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Victor and Alice Lawson, Jr. and Arthur and Dorothy "Petie" Borch.