JACOB - Lawrence H. "The Cat" Middendorf, 84, of Jacob, IL, passed away at 3:55 pm, Monday, September 3, 2012 at the Rehab and Care Center in Murphysboro, IL. Lawrence was born in Campbell Hill, IL on March 21, 1928, the son of William H. and Clara Gerlach Middendorf. He married Vanita M. Rathjen on May 6, 1951 at Christ Lutheran Church in Jacob. She preceded him in death on January 15, 1996. Lawrence was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church in Jacob. He was the retired owner of Middendorf's Tavern in Jacob, IL and also a retired farmer. Lawrence is survived by his children, Robert (Debi) Middendorf of Campbell Hill, E. Lee (Jennifer) Middendorf of Chester, Laurie (Bill) Holmes of Carbondale, and Mary Beth (Rick) Varner of Murphysboro; five grandchildren, Brent (Jessica) Middendorf of Jacob, Staci Middendorf and Bethany Varner (fiancee, John Ryman) of Murphysboro, and Drake and Haley Middendorf of Chester; two great grandchildren, Devin Eovaldi and Bella Ryman of Murphysboro; three step grandchildren, Natisha Mitchell, Lacey (Curt) Eggemeyer, and Aaron (Emily) Powley; seven step great grandchildren, Logan, Elyzabeth, Addyson, Trentin, Trevin, Brylee and Kinsley; and one sister, Ruby Eggemeyer of Chester. Lawrence was also preceded in death by his Parents; three brothers, Herman, Albert "Smokey", and Leroy Middendorf; and three sisters, Emma Rathert, Stella Rubach and Lilian Castens. Lawrence's family wishes to express their appreciation for the expert care and compassion he was given by the staff at Rehab and Care Center of Jackson County in Murphysboro over the two year period of his residence. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, September 6, 2012 at the Christ Lutheran Church in Jacob with Rev. Mike Kettner and Rev. Joe Hoem officiating. Burial will follow in Christ Lutheran Cemetery, Gorham. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, where friends may call from 5 to 8 pm Wednesday and on Thursday from 7:30 am until 9 am then from 10 am to 11 am Thursday at the church. Memorials may be given to Christ Lutheran Church and School.