Larry R. Jones

Larry Russell Jones, 80, was called by Jesus to his heavenly home on Ascension Day, Thursday, June 2, 2011. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his beloved family. Larry was born on May 23, 1931, in Ripon, to Peter and Mary Priepke Jones. He was baptized at Pella Ev. Lutheran Church in Waupun in 1931. He was confirmed at St. Stephen's Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam in 1945. He joined the United States Army 82nd Airborne Paratroopers in 1948 and served in active duty until 1950. He continued in the Army on inactive duty until Honorably Discharged in 1954. On August 11, 1951, Larry married Cecelia Helen Kennedy at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Fond du Lac. They dedicated their lives to raising their seven children. He was a founding member of Faith Ev. Lutheran congregation in Fond du Lac. Providing a Christian education for his children was a value and priority in Larry's life.Larry worked at Giddings & Lewis in Fond du Lac for over 40 years. He began as a machinist and retired as Superintendent of the machine shop in 1993. Over the years, many of his working relationships developed into friendships that lasted long into his retirement. In his youth, Larry was involved in racing Standardbred horses. This became a family affair and many summer weekends involved packing up horses and family to travel to county fairs throughout Wisconsin. His passion for racing continued throughout his life. After his racing career, Larry enjoyed camping trips with family, fishing, and golfing. He took great pride in his vegetable garden. After he retired, Larry and Cecelia became "snow birds", enjoying winters in Arizona. They developed many close friendships there, but were always eager to return to Wisconsin. His greatest joy was his family, and he cherished the times he spent with his children and grandchildren.He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Cecelia; seven children: Christine Steiner (Michael Mies) of Campbellsport, Kathleen (James) Faust of Fond du Lac, Peter (Beth) Jones of Campbellsport, Deb (Dennis) Boelk of Brownsville, Lori (Greg) Loehr of Campbellsport, Daniel (Jean) Jones of Campbellsport, and Michael Jones (Lori Krause) of Mondovi. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; his sister Alyce (Gordon) Burmester of Wisconsin Rapids, and his brother David (Shirley) Jones of Fond du Lac. He was preceded in death by his parents and 10 siblings.



VISITATION: will be held 9 "“ 11 AM on Monday, June 6, 2011 at Faith Ev. Lutheran Church. The funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, June 6, 2011 at Faith Ev. Lutheran Church with Rev. Joel Gaertner officiating. Entombment will follow in All Faith Garden Mausoleum, Rienzi Cemetery.Memorials may be directed to Faith Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac and Winnebago Lutheran Academy in Fond du Lac. Larry felt his greatest blessing was his family and he always cherished family gatherings. He served as an example of devoted spouse and father for all of us. He will be dearly missed by his family, but we take comfort in knowing he is in eternal joy.