Larry J. Delarwelle

Larry John Delarwelle, 84, passed away peacefully at home on February 5, 2025. He was born on May 5, 1940, to his parents Erwin and Mayme (Dart) Delarwelle in Luxemburg, Wisconsin.

During his first years of life, his parents owned and operated a cheese factory. There he grew up alongside twin brother and best friend, Garry. He often stated that he was a true “cheesehead.” At the age of eight, his parents sold the factory and they moved to the “big city” of Algoma, WI. There he thrived in school, sports, and creating lifelong friendships all while working part time until graduation. He married his high school sweetheart, Kate (Kathryn Kohlbeck) on September 9, 1961. The two of them went on to raise four children and cherished a beautiful 63 year marriage.

In 1959, Larry left home for the first time to attend meat cutting trade school in Ohio. Although he will always be a “cheesehead” at heart, here is where he became “meathead.” Starting as a grocery store butcher in Green Bay, Larry worked his way up becoming a meat buyer and broker in the Fox Valley and the Twin Cities. A common theme throughout Larry’s life is that he never gave up. He often shared with his loved ones how it’s okay to start from the bottom because with hard work, determination and honesty you can always work your way to the top.

Larry was a busy man with many interests. He bought his first motorcycle at 16, riding until age 80. He was a dedicated volunteer for his church and the Hortonville Community Food Pantry. He loved the mission at the pantry and helping the clients every week was rewarding. He played and excelled in sports of all kinds and was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Brewers. He proudly watched and cheered from the bleachers at countless games of his grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their children. He even played in a basketball league at the Green Bay prison to help the inmates build skills, camaraderie and character.

Larry’s lifelong passion was tennis! You could find him playing on the local outdoor courts and at the Club. He shared his passion for the sport through coaching at the high school level, teaching skills and drills to his children and grandchildren, competing against his lifelong tennis friends, and watching countless hours of the Tennis Channel. His family members still hear the sound of him hitting balls against the cement walls of his basement workshop. In recent years, he looked forward to his routine of both working and playing at the Club where he was a proud and competitive member. He loved his Fox Cities Racquet Club family! Larry was still playing tennis three times a week the age of 84. He served his last ball only a few days before he passed. Another honorable testament to the fact that Larry never gave up!

Larry would tell you that his defining moment in life was in 1975 when he began his journey of sobriety. Through his personal healing journey he was able to help dozens of others in recovery. He was a proud mentor, counselor, sponsor and friend. He did not take this role lightly, always willing to help by bringing people clothes, driving them to job interviews, meeting for coffee and taking phone calls at any hour of the day and night. His honesty, sincerity and kindness drew people to him. He never gave up on

others and most importantly he never gave up on himself. He was extremely proud of his nearly 50-year sobriety anniversary.

Larry is survived by his wife Kate, children: Julie (Dan) Wierichs, Jamie (Chris) Killoren, David (Kristi) Delarwelle, Jolynn (Tom) Ryan; Grandchildren: Matthew (Molly) Coenen, Johnathon (Alexa) Coenen, Nicole (Christian Noyes) Coenen, Katie (Hunter) Floyd, Sean Killoren, Nathan (Caitlin) Delarwelle, Cecilia (Andreas Rosner) Weber, Megan Delarwelle, Parker Ryan, Cullen Ryan; great grandchildren: Jack, Hudson, Murphy, Lucy, Connor, Delilah, Jaida, Arya; beloved sister Gail (John) Haack, and many nieces and nephews, extended family members, and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his twin brother Garry Delarwelle.

In the chaos of everyday life, many would say that Larry’s true superpower was his unwavering simplicity. From his morning cup of Folgers to his evening recap of the Tennis Channel or anything sports related, Larry embraced a humble lifestyle that made him feel rich in both heart and spirit. He found joy in the little things—a satisfying sweet treat, a visit from a family member, friends and neighbors, listening to Elvis, country music and Bob Uecker on the radio in his garage, dancing in the kitchen, calling people on their birthdays, heling neighbors, handing out tennis balls at Halloween, planting marigold and peaceful evenings with Kate. His gentle way of living brought joy and comfort to those around him. He lived with spiritual intention and leaves us with the Serenity Prayer, his daily meditation: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

Rest easy, Larry. You are so loved!

PS. Next time you hear an Elvis song, turn it up loud and dance like Larry!

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, N2385 Municipal Drive (Highway 76), Greenville, WI 54942. Visitation from 9-11 am with memorial service starting at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Hortonville Community Food Pantry or St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Greenville.