Obituary
Lawrence “Larry” F. Kaatz
Larry F. Kaatz, 69, of Holmen, passed away at his home with his family at his side on June 6, 2016.
He was born March 6, 1947. Larry married Ginger Panke on July 26, 1966 at the First Presbyterian Church in La Crosse. They would have celebrated 50 years of marriage on July 26th.
Larry enjoyed hunting with his boys and family members. But mostly he loved spending time with family. He was an avid Milwaukee Brewers and Minnesota Vikings fan. Larry could fix anything and was always tinkering with something. He was the go to guy when someone was needing advice.
Larry was a proud and decorated Vietnam Veteran having served with the 1st Cavalry Helicopter Assault Company as a Crew Chief and Door Gunner. Upon return from Vietnam, he was employed by Caterpillar, G. Heilman Brewing Company, and Clarklift of MN over his 51 years working in welding and forklift mechanics.
He is survived by his wife, Ginger; daughter, Kris; sons, Chad (Melissa Ertz), Zak (Melissa); 6 granddaughters “Papa’s little girls”, Sheridan, Janie, Madeline, Jencyn, Kolbie, and Briley Kaatz; sister, Kathy (Jerome) Allen of WY; several sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Larry is preceded in death by his father, Lawrence F. Kaatz Sr.; aunt, Florence Meyer; and granddaughter, Siera Kaatz.
The family would like to thank the 3rd floor Cardio-Pulmonary Unit at Gundersen Health System and the Gundersen Health System Hospice providers for their unconditional care and support to Larry and his family.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at 5:00 pm at the Coulee Region Cremation Group and Center, 133 Mason St., Onalaska. The Rev. Dr. Taylor Haley will officiate. A visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until the time of service at the cremation center. Funeral honors will be provided by the US Army Honors Detail and the Holmen American Legion Post 284. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Homeless Veteran’s Group and First Presbyterian Church of La Crosse.
To view Larry’s Memorial Video paste the link into your address bar:
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/Q97S64J6PQ6GYW26
Really Great man, he will be missed by all my thoughts and prayers to the family
Thanks Jeremy! He taught us how to do business with all of you at Sugarloaf Ford, he was so committed to everyone there!
Kris
So many nice memories with this family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs!
We are so grateful for every ounce of your support, words and guidance! ?
In Loving Memory of my brother! It broke my heart I wasn’t given the opportunity to tell you good bye Larry, so I lit a candle for you to find your way home, like our mother did when someone she loved passed away. I will miss your “Hi There” and “Wisconsin calling Wyoming” phone calls plus talking about the memories of the two of us growing up in Hokah. I know you are finally at peace with no more pain or worries. You will always be in my heart big brother and no one can take that away. I Love You. Kathy from Wyoming!
Ginger and Kris,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Sending prayers for strength and hugs too.
Love, Laura and family
Thank you Laura! Your Mom has been such a breath of fresh air for Mom.
We love you too!
I would like to thank those of you who have reached out to Mom and our family during this difficult time. The phone calls, visits to the home and online condolences to our family has been uplifting. Since May 23rd, our lives have been a roller coaster ride as we put our thoughts and feelings aside to solely focus and respect my Dad’s wishes. We had a lot to figure out with him and we are so fortunate to have had his guidance with his end of life wishes. We accomplished everything he wanted and we are comforted, knowing this.
Again, thank you for thinking of Dad and his family and extending your sympathy.
Blessings, Kris
I have very fond memories of Larry and the Kaatz family. Chad and I grew up together and they were like a second family to me. I can vividly recall Larry always greeting me warmly with a smile and something funny to say whenever I came to the house. I would usually find him in the garage or sitting at the kitchen table drinking a cup of coffee. He (and Virginia) always made me feel welcome and treated me like I was part of the family. For that I am forever grateful. I realize without the kindness and generosity of Larry and his family my childhood would not have been the same. I always appreciated his guidance, wisdom and willingness to listen.
I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to Virginia and the entire Kaatz family. My thoughts and prayers to you all during this difficult time.
Thinking of the entire Kaatz family at this difficult time. Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of Larry. I was so sorry to hear the news. I know that you will find comfort in each other’s love as you share memories of Larry. Especially thinking of Zak, Melissa and the girls.
Allene