Lawrence "Larry" R. Michaels

Lawrence “Larry” R. Michaels, 79, of Fond du Lac entered into eternal life on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Born in Fond du Lac on March 15, 1945, the son of the late Guy and Vernice Michaels (Jesse), he cherished his days growing up on the family farm in South Byron. He graduated from Lomira High School in 1963. Larry married Joanne Michaels (Lauber) on June 10, 1972. 

Larry proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1965-1969, achieving the rank of Specialist 4th Class. He worked at Agnesian Healthcare for 37 years, retiring as a Housekeeping Supervisor in 2015. He loved his work, and most of all, the people he worked with. Whether it was his warm smile, his kindness, or the giant buckets of homemade chocolate chip cookies he would bring to work and deliver to every department, it seemed everyone there knew him and loved him. Prior to Agnesian Healthcare, he worked at International Paper for nine years, where he forged many life-long friendships. 

Larry had many passions. He loved volunteering his time, and was a regular blood donor. He spent countless hours creating latch hook rugs to give as cherished gifts. He was an avid baker, making pies and dozens upon dozens of cookies at a time. He loved sports, particularly baseball, and was a walking encyclopedia of stats. He was a regular winner on KFIZ’s sports trivia show, and counted the days until he was eligible to call again after each win. 

Larry loved traveling. Many happy family vacations were spent on camping trips to state parks and Canada, looking for beautiful waterfalls. Larry and Joanne loved going to New York to visit their daughter Becky. Larry loved venturing out to Times Square early in the morning to find the best breakfast spots and to chat with food vendors. Later in life, he and Joanne took many trips to Arizona and Florida as well as an Alaskan cruise.

More than anything, Larry was a family man. He cherished his roles as husband, father, and grandfather. He was an avid supporter of everything his children did and his pride showed bright on his face. His granddaughters Ava and Emma brought him immeasurable joy. Giggles and laughter filled the air whenever they were together.

Those left behind to cherish his memory include his wife of 52 years, Joanne, his two children, Bryan (Jackie) and Becky; and two grandchildren, Ava and Emma; he is further survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, William and James Michaels; sisters Barbara (Don) Simon and Kathryn (William) Schultz, all of whom he missed greatly.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Friday, October 11, 2024, at Holy Family Church at 271 Fourth St Way in Fond du Lac. Mass of Christian Burial will be held immediately after at 11:00 AM. Entombment will follow at Chapel of the Risen Christ Mausoleum, Calvary Cemetery. Military graveside honors will take place at the mausoleum.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Agnes Hospital and Harbor Haven Rehabilitation Center in Fond du Lac for the extraordinarily compassionate care Larry received there.

Memorials in Larry’s name may be directed to the charity of your choice.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935.