Larry L. Werner

Larry L. Werner, of Eau Claire, peacefully passed away after a brief battle with cancer on July 30 at Marshfield Medical Center with family by his side. 

Larry was born on April 8,1951, in Eau Claire to John (“Chet”) Werner and Elizabeth (“Betty”) Feyen.  He graduated from Elk Mound High School in 1969, where he was a celebrated all-conference athlete in football, basketball and baseball and was a beloved teammate and classmate.  Larry was a farmer and a handy-man, building the home where he raised his daughters. Immediately after high school, he was employed at Armours in Eau Claire and later purchased his own poultry farm. 

He will be remembered for his strong presence, attending all life events for his children and grandchildren, wherever that took him.  In his earlier years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and slow pitch softball with the Bradford Bunch. His daughters fondly remember many summers spent cheering on their favorite home run hitter and all the kids running behind the fence every time he was up to bat, hoping to get the home run ball. Later, he enjoyed outdoor activities with his family, including biking, hiking and scenic road trips. Some of our fondest memories were the classic family road trips to California, where we told stories, laughed and were all so excited to see the huge waves smashing into the cliffs. More recently, he enjoyed visiting his daughter’s deer farm and going to see Lake Superior with his daughter and granddaughter, watching the ships roll in. He was present at all events for his 6 grandchildren, whom he adored.  He was around for anything important to them, including football, rodeos, baseball, soccer, track, cross country, bike races, and was even able to experience a state championship win by his grandson just prior to his passing. 

His family was the joy and energy of his life.  He was beyond compare with his loving and constant presence. Larry will be remembered for his hilarious, unique sense of humor, like pretending to pull off his finger or his love of the “Far Side” comics.  If his TV was on, it would be tuned to a Seinfeld episode, unless a Packer game was on of course!  Laughter was a part of every visit with Larry, as he brought humor and lightness to all of his encounters.  Everybody loved him and his stories, and he will be profoundly missed by all.

Larry is survived by his adoring daughters: Jill (Todd) Johnson of Minong, Heidi (Scott) Herron of New Richmond, and Joy (Jeremy) Hage of Hammond. He is also survived by his loving, long-term partner, Renee Feight.  He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Hannah Johnson, Noah and Tae Herron, Aaron, Isaac and Caleb Hage. Larry is also survived by all of his siblings: Jerry (Arlene) Werner, Tom (Mariceli) Werner, Barb (Chuck) Cramer, Kathy (Jim) Schmidt, Sharon (Oliver) Werner, Susie (Anthony) Herr.  Larry also loved his numerous nieces and nephews, especially if he could beat them at games (like basketball or bean bags): Matt, Mike, Rachel, Bethanie, Steven, Jenny, Danielle, Ben, Christine, David, Aiden, and Sydney.  Larry also had numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, John and Betty Werner, and looked forward to being reunited with them in Heaven.

Two of Larry’s famous quotes were: “Family is everything" and “Always leave while you’re still having fun.”  He accomplished both.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Saturday, August 15, from 4-7pm at Hulke Family Funeral Home (3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701).  A private, family ceremony will be held at a later date.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Eau Claire is serving the family.

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