Lawrence Nicholas Sanchez

"For it is by grace, you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is a gift from God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

With a heart the size of Texas, Lawrence Nicholas "Nick" Sanchez was generous with his time and talents, giving to all in need. He genuinely cared about others and was a great listener. His humility and servant's heart led him to put the interests of others before his own.

On December 6, 1952, the Sanchez family of Los Angeles, California, got their first look at their new baby boy, Lawrence Nicholas. Little Nick had a big sister and was eventually joined by six more siblings. It was within that bustling household that he learned the value of family, the practice of sacrificing for the sake of others, and the importance of faith, principles that would later guide his life.

The family moved to Milwaukee where Nick attended St. Stanislaus Grade School, Notre Dame High, South Division High, and Milwaukee Area Technical College. As his interest in the things of God developed, he wanted to learn more about the Bible and so chose to attend Grace Bible College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Nick always enjoyed working with people and spent some time teaching auto body classes at the Milwaukee Area Technical College. He later worked as an insurance adjustor but eventually found his niche working as a counselor for Wedgwood Christian Services, an agency that reaches out to hurting youth and their families. His passion was helping kids through their transition from foster homes to independence.

Nick was diagnosed with diabetes in the early 1990s and forced to retire from Wedgwood, but he remained involved in the lives of others and contributed at his local church. He was a volunteer for a Wednesday night Bible study and for many years dedicated a week of vacation to work as a cook at North Grace Youth Camp in Wisconsin.

It was at at a Bible study at Nick's house in 1988 that he met someone who changed his life in a way he never expected. At a Bible study at Coit Community CRC, he met a lovely lady named Karyn DeWit and her son Terry. They enjoyed being together and Nick treated Terry as his own son. A few years later, Nick and Karyn exchanged vows in July of 1993 in an outside ceremony at Wedgwood. Their son Adam was born on February 25, 1996.

Nick was proud of his sons and enjoyed sharing his hobbies with them. In his spare time, he went deer hunting and fishing, and maintained his love of engine and auto body repair. The family was always excited when he showed up in the kitchen to cook delicious Mexican dishes. The greatest thing he gave his loved ones, however, was his time. He consistently showed how much he loved them, not just with words, but also with his actions. His example will continue to influence all who knew him.

Nick was taken to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Tuesday, August 22, 2006. He is survived by his wife, Karyn DeWit Sanchez, children, Adam Sanchez and Terry DeWit, and several brothers and sisters, Jenny Moch, Valerie Knueppel, Alexander Martin Sanchez, Jan Sanchez, Thomas Sanchez, Gerard Skar and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Mary Mertins. Memorial services will be held Saturday, August 26, at 11 a.m. at Grace Bible Fellowship, 1260 Chicago Drive SW. Memorial contributions may be made to the Adam Sanchez Education Fund c/o the family. Please visit Nick's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may leave a memory or sign the online guest book.