Obituary
Lawrence “Larry” J. Callaway
Lawrence (Larry) James Callaway was born on August 10, 1945, to Eleanor Louise Thorsen and Lawrence Callaway. He grew up in La Crosse, Wisconsin and graduated from Central High School in 1963. Promptly there after, he joined the United States Marines Corps and served in the Vietnam War for 4 years, during which time he received numerous medals and badges and will long be remembered for his strength and courage. Larry married Carol Ann Kay Ellefson in May, 1983 and lived in the La Crosse area with their children.
Larry was the President/Owner of Coulee Area Trucking from 1983-1991 and also drove semi-truck for Badger Corrugating in La Crosse for many years. In retirement he took great pride in caring for their rural acreage. Larry was very athletic and competitive while growing up and has always loved sports, including Baseball, Basketball, Football and especially watching the Packers.
Larry passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2014, at his home in Galesville, WI with his wife by his side at the age of 69 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents Eleanor and Lawrence.
He is survived by his wife Carol; sons, Jason (Sue), Chad (Angela); 4 grandchildren, Tyler, Ashley, Cooper and Bodie; sister Carolyn (Thomas) Clements; nieces and nephews, Tom, James, Lori, Sue and Michelle.
He is also survived by his adopted children, John, Melissa, Eli, Ben, Dustin, Ray and Kenneth; and for over 20 years has touched the lives of many additional foster children.
Larry will be remembered with a visitation being held from 1:00-2:30 pm with a service to follow at Coulee Region Cremation Group and Funeral Home, 133 Mason St., Onalaska, WI, at 2:30 pm. Pastor Ted Dewald will officiate with military honors provided by the Onalaska American Legion Post 336 following the service at the funeral home. A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at the Onalaska Legion following the service starting at 3:30 pm on Saturday, December 27, 2014.
The family would like to send a special thank you to the Trempealeau County EMS team, Veterans Administration and the many friends and family that have shown their support.
To Larry’s Family:
Larry and I were best friends throughout our days at Longfellow Jr. High & Central High School (until my family moved from La Crosse just prior to my senior year). I have many fond memories of our days playing basketball & baseball together. I was very appreciative of his visits to see my family when we lived in Fond du lac. One of the greatest birthday presents I received two years ago was a surprise phone call from Larry which allowed us to catch up on our lives. My only regret was not being able to reconnect with him at Central’s class of 1963’s 50th reunion. He was a true friend and will be missed by many. My sincere condolences.
– Jerry Mastenbrook
Dustin, Carol & all-
Sorry to hear of your loss. God will have a special place in Heaven for someone who invited strangers into his home and made them family. May the, sympathy, concern & love of others ease your pain.
Love, Laurie