Lawrence H. Skromme was born near Roland, Iowa, on August 26, 1913, to parents Austin G. and Ingeborg B. (Holmedal) Skromme. He graduated with a B.S. (1937) in agricultural engineering from Iowa State College (University). Lawrence’s two younger brothers, Arnold and Robert, would follow in his footsteps and study agricultural engineering at Iowa State.



After receiving his degree, Skromme began his long and productive career in the agricultural implement manufacturing industry. Skromme was initally hired by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. as a design and test engineer (1937-1941) working with tires for agricultural implements. From there he went to work for Harry Ferguson Inc. as a project engineer and assistant chief engineer (1941-1951). Skromme was hired to design plows and implements for the new Ford-Ferguson tractors.



In 1951, Sperry-New Holland hired Skromme to be their chief engineer (1951-1961) and vice president of engineering (1961-1978). He was hired to take charge of all engineering design other than balers. He completely reorganized the engineering division, separating reliability testing and design. He created a unique and highly efficient engineering system at New Holland that earned him recognition and praise throughout the industry. In 1978, he retired from New Holland and went into private practice as a consulting agricultural engineer.



Skromme received many awards throughout his career. He was an active member of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), serving the organizations in numerous roles including President (1959-1960). He was named a Fellow (1965) and received the John Deere Medal (1974) from the organization. He was a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the American Society of Engineering Education, and the International Assocaition of Agricultural Engineers.



Lawrence Skromme married Margaret Elizabeth Gleason in 1939. Together they had three children, Cherlyn Sue, Inga Jean, Karen Ann. As of 2010, Lawrence resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.