Lawrence Upp

Lawrence A. Upp, age 101, formerly of Lambertville, passed away Monday, January 2, 2006 in Harborside of Sylvania. He was born December 14, 1904 to Albert and Nellie (Rawson) Upp in Lima, Ohio. Lawrence spent his early years in Edgerton, Ohio. In 1913 Lawrence moved with his family to a farmhouse near Summerfield and Douglas Roads in Lambertville, Michigan. While there he attended one-room Rawson School in Lambertville. During his high school years, the family moved to West Toledo and he attended Woodward Technical School. During his 101 years, Lawrence was witness to many new and exciting inventions. He held a patent for developing the "squeegee" for the HurriKleen Wet/Dry vacuum cleaner, the first wet/dry vacuum on the market. He was also involved in developing and building a modernized version of a corn harvester. This invention was approved for manufacture for the farming industry, but due to the 1929 stock market crash, Lawrence never saw that design go into production. During WWII Lawrence was employed with the American Propeller Company where he continually improved and redefined many parts that were beneficial to the building of military equipment. After the war, Lawrence went on to work with the Craft Master Company for more than 20 years. He worked closely with design engineers defining and developing the machinery that filled the paint cups of those famous "Paint-by-Number" sets. Lawrence enjoyed many years of fishing on Lake Erie with his sons Roger and "Skip" and good friend Joe. He will also be remembered for his interest and talent for working on clocks well into his 90's.


On December 24th, 1924 Lawrence married the love of his life, Crystal (Brunton) Upp. She preceded him in death after 34 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his son, Lauren "Skip" Upp; brother, Roy Upp and sons-in-law, Bob Jennings and Dave Bennett. He is survived by his devoted and proud family including his daughters, Barbara (Bob) Eriksen and Nancy Jennings; son, Roger (Pam) Upp; grandchildren, Terry (Kathie) Upp; Randy (Judy) Upp; Rick Upp; Renee Edwards; Carla Deininger; Doug (Ida) Bennett; Betsy Bennett; Dawn (Paul) Ballachino; Greg Wandtke; Michelle (Keith) Lawn; Kara Jo Jennings; Cliff Upp; Lori Cousino; Lisa (Curtis) Broughton; Tim Upp; many great grandchildren and one great-great grandson.

The family will receive guests Sunday, January 15th, 2006 from 11a.m.-12p.m. at the Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd. (419-473-0300). Memorial Services will begin at 12:00 p.m. Officiating will be Heartland Hospice Chaplain Carol Miller.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice.

The Upp Family would like to thank Mary, Adelle, Jackie and Sandi, as well as the entire staff and caregivers of Harborside of Sylvania for the loving care they gave to Lawrence.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.NewcomerFamily.com