Larry Wall 10/31/2024

Larry John Wall, age 81, passed away peacefully with family by his side on October 31, 2024 after a courageous years-long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Larry was born to Ken and Lucille Wall on November 11, 1942, in Red Wing, MN. He grew up in Ellsworth, WI with his two younger brothers Bill and Jim where they shared a love of sports.  Larry attended Ellsworth High School and graduated in 1960.  His parents were both teachers and Larry, as well as his brothers, would follow that same career path.  Larry went on to attend UW River Falls where he earned his education degree in 1964.  While there, he met the love of his life, Barbara Waxon, also a teacher.  Larry and Barbara would marry December 31, 1966 and would be married for 57 years.

In what would become a lifelong profession, Larry began his teaching career in Schofield, WI for one year before teaching another 34 years of 5th grade in Cottage Grove, MN.  He retired in 1999.  Larry’s children and grandchildren will attest that he never stopped being a teacher as he was always quick with a Math or Geography question if a situation allowed for it.

Most of all Larry was devoted to his family.  Larry and Barb were blessed first with twin daughters, Carol and Karen, and then a son, Steven.  Larry, along with Barb, were a constant supportive presence at their kids’ school plays, band concerts and sporting events.  The family has many great memories of annual summer road trips in the station wagon driving across the United States seeing historical sites, National Parks, amusement parks and baseball games.

His support continued in the same ways with his grandchildren.  He was often on the floor to play with and be climbed on when they were little. As the grandchildren grew older, he played countless games of Yahtzee and Uno, and continued to attend their concerts and sporting events.  In the summers, Larry also enjoyed time with his family at Horseshoe Lake, near Turtle Lake, WI.

Larry loved to travel and watch sports – sometimes combining the two.  He visited all 50 states and a number of European countries, with Hawaii being a favorite destination.  Larry enjoyed visiting baseball stadiums, totaling over 30 stadiums.  Taking all the children and grandchildren to Disney World is a treasured memory to all.  Larry loved watching baseball, basketball and football games.  He was a fan of all the Wisconsin sports teams.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Bob Waxon.  He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara; children, Carol (Jonathan) Schmelz, Karen (Keith) Weltzien, and Steven (Sarah) Wall; brothers, Bill Wall, Jim (Cindy) Wall and sister-in-law Chris Waxon; grandchildren, Sydney and Tyler Schmelz, Collin (Casey), Curtis and Connor Weltzien, and Megan and Elizabeth Wall; and nieces, a nephew and many cousins and friends.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Hudson United Methodist Church, 1401 Laurel Avenue Hudson, WI, with a visitation preceding at 10 a.m.  There also was a visitation on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 5-7 p.m., at Hudson United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice.  The family extends their sincere gratitude to the caring staff at Boulder Ponds and Lifespark Hospice.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.