Lauren Storla

Lauren E. Storla, 78, of Elgin, IA, formerly of Decorah, IA, died Tuesday, January 7, 2014, at his home in rural Elgin, IA. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 11th, at 11:00 AM at Redeemer Lutheran Church in West Union, IA, with Pastor Rusty Phillips officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon, IA. Friends may call from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Friday at the church in West Union. Martin Funeral Home is Waukon is handling the arrangements.

     Lauren Eugene Storla was born February 24, 1935, in Decorah, IA, the son of Theodore and Lillian (Solem) Storla. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Decorah and graduated from high school in Calmar, IA. In 1952, Lauren enlisted in the United States Air Force, and took some college courses while in the service. Serving two tours in Vietnam, Lauren was also stationed in Indochina, Thailand, and Iceland. He was honorably discharged in 1973. On June 1, 1956, Lauren married Nancy Allala; they later divorced. Throughout his life, Lauren lived in many states: Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Texas, California, Nevada, and Utah. After the military, he worked in the job service department for Morton-Thiokol Inc., at Sears in Utah and Missouri, and most recently at Larry’s Small Engine Shop in Missouri and West Union, IA. On February 24, 1990, he married Patsy Steinbach Martindale Schwamman in Clark, MO.

     He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Decorah, and was involved in churches and community organizations in the various places he lived. He enjoyed outdoor activities, such as hunting and fishing, and had a love of horses. His main interest was music and playing the dobro. He loved going to bluegrass music festivals, and also played at area nursing homes.

     Lauren is survived by his wife Patsy of rural Elgin, IA; four children: Lauren (Belinda) Storla, Jr. of Las Vegas, NV, Kenneth (Christina) Storla of Fulton, MO, Raymond Storla of Chino Valley, AZ, and Susan (Alex) Batlouni of Stratford, VA; stepson Wesley (Linda) Martindale of Rogers, AR; seven grandchildren: Lauren, Andy, and Damian Storla, Kenneth Storla Jr., April Riggs, and Juliette and Anthoney Batlouni; 12 twelve great-grandchildren; brother Leo (Betty) Storla of Decorah; and sister Lorraine Williams of Cedar Falls, IA.

     He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Lorris (Faye) Storla.

     Honorary casketbearers are Darrel Austin and Paul Jirak. Casketbearers are Lauren Storla, Jr., Kenneth and Raymond Storla, Alex Batlouni, Troy and Clay Storla, Terry Williams, Dave Reicks, Leon Hall, and Bob Brommerich.

     Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.