L. Lawrence Kouba
Lawrence and Lois Kouba Pictured

L. Lawrence Kouba

Born - February 4, 1927
Died - May 7, 2002
(Wisconsin Drillers Lic. #1)

Lawrence was raised on a 186 acre farm in Union Township, a rural part of Hillsboro, Wisconsin in Vernon County. He attended White City School until the 8th grade and transferring to Hillsboro High School, graduating class of 1945.

Lawrence served in the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry until 1948 doing post World War II cleanup activities. After his tour of service, he then attended Marquette University for a period of two years

Baley Well Drilling was purchased by Lawrence in 1950 from M.F. Baley In 1974 he suffered multiple heart attacks and had to slow down his daily activities. At this point his sons Robert and Daniel worked to keep the business moving forward and growing until Lawrence was able to return to full time work in 1980

Lawrence served 28 years on the Vernon County Board, served on the Wisconsin Well Drillers Association board of directors along with managing Kouba Well Drilling until it was sold to his oldest son Daniel in 1996.

Lawrence owned the very first rotary drilling rig in the state of Wisconsin and pioneered many new well drilling methods that are still in use on a regular basis today. The Kouba name still stands today for honesty and integrity

The original drilling rig owned by M.F. Baley located at the West Lima School (pictured)