My favorite times are with Lois and remembering all the good things Paul gave to his students, family and friends. He lives on with all of us.

Paul was a great man and is deeply missed. He always treated me like I was part of the family.
My love to Lois and Jeff.
Thanks for your kindness and generosity ❤️
Marc

Paul was a master trickster. You had to be on your toes not to be a victim of his fun tricking.

Thoughts of Paul's caring heart and spark always brings a smile.

I am so lucky to have Paul's wife Lois as my friend. We share many memories of his pranks as well as how he touched so many people.

This man pretty much saved my life by counseling me when I was arrested for selling marijuana in 1993. I am forever greatful for what he did and he was a good instructor as well. I did eventually finish my masters in 98 and have been teaching for 20 years. God bless you Paul and your family and friends.

Paul's legacy lives on in his wife, Lois, and his fabulous family. He is always present and remembered with respect and love.

Paul was an incredible man, his son Jeff was my best friend in highschool and the Lauritzen family treated me like a second son.
I have many fond memories with them including playing tennis, basketball, working at the woods, and fishing just to name a few.
He has left a beautiful legacy behind him with all the people he had an impact on in his life..

My family recalls lovely memories of Paul's sharing the woods with them and letting them sleep in the tree house. An experience they will never forget. I will never forget this gentle giant.

I have always considered Paul to be a quiet hero. He has touched so many lives. He took a chance on me for which I am forever grateful. He is an inspiration to everyone. We all can learn so much from how he conducted his life. Thank you Paul.

What a wonderful celebration of Paul's life on Sat. Oct. 25th! Thank you to the family and close friends who spoke at the memorial and shared such wonderful stories. They were so meaningful. My love goes out to Lois, Karen, Lisa, Jeff and their wonderful families in this time of loss. I wish you peace as you move forward.

There are many themes across these tributes and in talking with those who knew Paul. He was a mentor, highly skilled athlete and coach, cared so much for the youth in our community, was a trickster, a tall-strong man, cerebral, inclusive in the sense of equity for all. Paul offered his skills and resources out and those who accepted had avenues opened to experience things they never would have without him. 

Karen and I have been friends throughout our lifetime and I consider Paul and "Mom" my family. Paul was always someone I looked up to literally and he let me know how short I was on a continual basis -"Yes, among giants" I would say. Paul had this skill to know the amount of pressure/challenge to offer out. I could take a pretty good amount and offered it back as I grew older. We had fun with our exchanges, always leaving with a smile.

Paul helped me to hone my skills in basketball, tennis, ping pong, stilt walking, apple picking, cider press cranking, weed pulling, planting, ice cream eating, trampoline jumping, trick playing, road biking, and the list goes on.

My favorite story was when Lois was "at her end" on a hot day with no air conditioner. Paul must not have thought they needed it and Lois made a statement that she would not return until she got cool air. She, Karen and I headed out and boy did we have fun! Let the shopping begin. It started with matching outfits for Karen and I and didn't end there. With every fun adventure we had we started to say, "Thanks Paul!" Paul had no idea what was going on when we came back with our outfits on, giving him a kiss on his cheek with a "Thanks Paul". Lois got her air that day and we continue to say, "Thanks Paul" with a twinkle in our eye many, many years later. I don't know that Paul ever knew the extent of our excursion that day!

"Thanks Paul"! Love you. Andrea

Paul was a great man and mentor for me. His son Jeff is my best friend from high school. Paul and Lois treated me like a second son and adopted me into their family. I have many fond memories of the adventures we shared together including the Whitewater invasion of Gulf Shores Alabama every spring. I spent many hours at the Lauritzen woods and to this day will never forget the sweet apple cider Paul would make.
The Lauritzen family has always been very special to me and I can never thank them enough for the love they have shown me over the years. Paul and Lois will always have a special place in my heart for their kindness and generosity. Thank you Jeff for being my friend and brother.
Love, Marc Durette

Whitewater lost a great man in Paul. Paul had a huge impact on my life from working out on his land, pruning trees, making apple cider, cutting fire wood, playing ping-pong, and even as a coach in basketball. He always had a noble project on hand whether it be working on environmental projects, working with youth, teaching, or coaching. I miss those summer and winter days out in the woods and the great mentorship Paul always provided. He'll be missed, but his impact will not be forgotten.

When I think of Mr.(Dr.) Lauritzen I think of the bicycle rides to the Woods to work, the tractor rides, apple cider, the basketball trips to the gym, and the interest he always showed in me as a person. A great man, with a great family.

Dr. Lauritzen was an amazing mentor when I was working on my MEd. He guided me through the PhD and was instrumental in my success.

My favorite prank was when I attended a CEC convention in DC with Dr. Lauritzen and some other faculty members. There was a little kerfuffle about the traffic on the Beltway and at one point when we were not moving, Dr. Lauritzen leaped out of the car and yelled "Help, I'm being kidnapped!" The kerfuffle turned to laughter in no time!  Another was when he was called as a reference for my current job, he identified himself as my parole officer! He was not only an academic mentor, but a life mentor who taught us to laugh and enjoy! He will be missed.