Lauren Robert Asplund, of Walworth, passed away at age 94 on Dec. 22, 2025, at Lakeland Medical Center in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Lauren was born in Chicago on March 30, 1931.
Lauren was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Asplund, and his son David Asplund, both of whom died in 2013. Lauren and Barbara were married on June 20, 1953.
Lauren is survived by his two children, Richard (Deanna) Asplund of Highland Park, Illinois, and Laurie Asplund (Danny VanHouten) of Monroe. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Kayln (William), Melissa (John), Bobby, Alec (Lizzy), and Teddy (Bee); and eight great-grandchildren.
Lauren graduated from Wheaton College in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree and earned a Master of Science degree from Northwestern University in 1953. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1954 and served at posts in Missouri, New Jersey, Colorado, and Wisconsin.
In 1956, Lauren joined the engineering department of Illinois Bell Telephone Company. He later earned an MBA from Northwestern University in 1963. That same year, he was transferred to AT&T in New York for a two-year assignment.
In 1976, Lauren accepted the position of Executive Director of a newly formed AT&T subsidiary, American Bell International, Inc. He and his family moved to Iran for three years, where he worked with the Iranian government to modernize and expand the nation’s telephone system. During this time, he oversaw the development of multiple administrative departments within the Telephone Company of Iran. These years also included extensive international travel with his family, visiting more than 40 countries for both business and pleasure.
After returning from Iran, Lauren continued his career with Illinois Bell until the breakup of the Bell System in 1984, after which he transitioned to AT&T. He served as Director of External Affairs for AT&T’s Central Region until his retirement in 1988.
From 1988 to 2018, Lauren worked alongside his son Richard in the finance industry.
Beginning in 2011, Lauren resided at Golden Years Retirement Village. From 2013 onward, he was actively involved in volunteer service, contributing his time and talents to AARP, the Geneva Lake West Rotary Club, the Walworth Memorial Library, Linn Presbyterian Church, the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Walworth County, Music by the Lake, and Golden Years Retirement Village.
A memorial service will be held at Linn Presbyterian Church, W3335 Willow Road, Lake Geneva, on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), or the Lakeland Animal Shelter (www.lakelandanimalshelter.org).
Lauren will be remembered for his professional dedication, global travels, community service, commitment to his church, his kindness to all, and devotion to his family.
Toynton Funeral Homes assisted with the arrangements. Please visit www.ToyntonFuneralHome.com.