In Loving Memory…

Larry Powers, 91, of La Crosse, WI, passed away peacefully on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026 at Serenity Hospice House, Tomah, WI.

He was born July 2, 1934 to Donald and Eileen (Hagen) Powers in La Crosse.  He attended St. James and Aquinas Catholic schools.

After graduation, he joined the Army and served active duty from November 1954-November 1956 followed by 4 years in the Army Reserve. He proudly served his active duty in Germany.

Larry married Sharon Henry on June 15, 1957. They had two children and raised them in La Crosse.

He worked at Trane Company for many years but eventually found that being a landlord gave him great pleasure. He retired at age 42 from Trane and went into the apartment rental business full time. He loved getting involved in remodeling projects in his properties. He especially enjoyed getting to know the many tenants he met over the years.

Larry enjoyed his family, hunting, fishing, boating, camping on sandbars and golfing. He spent many happy hours pursuing those interests with his family and dear friends. He loved to tell stories about his many memories of those special times and would repeat them over and over to anyone who would listen.

After 38 years of marriage, he and Sharon divorced but remained good friends. He later married his high school sweetheart, Karen (Borseth) Panke.  They shared 23 happy years together until her death in 2019. Larry and Karen were members of the Holy Trinity Church Choir for many years. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 52.

Larry was affectionately known as “Larebear” by all who knew him. He is survived by his daughter Deb (Chris) Pretasky of Onalaska, WI and his ex-wife, Sharon Grabar of Onalaska, WI.  He is also survived by four step-children: Julie Wilkes of Statham, GA, Kurt (Julie) Panke of Madison, WI, Jeanne (Ronald) Blaettner of Clearwater, FL, and Chris (Kellye) Panke of Evans, GA. He is also survived by four grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and two brothers, Thomas (Pam) and Michael.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Karen, his son Danny, his parents, and one brother, Patrick.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026 for immediate family only at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1333 13^th St. South, La Crosse.  Father Rick Roberts will officiate. Military honors will be at the church immediately following the service. Interment will be at a later date at the Catholic Cemetery in La Crosse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Chris and Deb would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staffs of Havenwood, Gundersen Hospice, and especially Serenity Hospice House in Tomah for their compassionate end-of-life care.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.