Larry D. Gonnering

Of Waupaca, formerly of Appleton, age 79, passed away on Friday May 31, 2019 at home.  He was born in the Town of Freedom on January 13, 1940 to the late Lawrence and Alice (Van Thiel) Gonnering.  On May 6, 1961 he married the love of his life, Therese Griesbach.  Larry was very proud to have served in the United States Army.              

Larry and Therese met at a dance 61 years ago. They married in 1961, then raised their 4 children in Appleton, WI. Over the past 40 years, the family created some of their best memories at their lake house on the Chain O’ Lakes in Waupaca, WI. They also wintered in Arizona throughout their marriage, where they enjoyed dancing and met many friends along the way. Larry fought a courageous battle with cancer for almost a year. Throughout his illness he never once complained. He was never angry. Never impatient. He was always more concerned about everyone else. His sense of humor was not lost, even on the most difficult days, he wanted to make others smile. Larry always had a strong love for music and dancing and especially shared this with his wife Therese. Family, friends, and music are what surrounded him until his last day. Larry and Therese lived their lives the same way they danced - together as one - with a supporting and loving embrace. Since day one, Larry was a true gentleman - gentle and kind. Therese has always said, “they don’t make them like Larry anymore.” They were inseparable - never without each other. He treated her like a queen. Larry was the best man. A man of strong faith. He was genuine and selfless. He made a lasting impression on anyone he met. He was a family man through and through. His unconditional love and patience made him the best role-model to all.  

He was a member of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Waupaca.  He was a truck driver for many years and retired from USF Holland.

He will be sadly missed by his wife: Therese; daughters: Connie (Jerry) Gietman; Sandy (Dale) Earley; Jodi (Brian) Schwaegler; grandchildren: Drew (Stephanie), Brittany ( Brady), Tylor (Nicole), Courtney (Taylor), Brock, Alison, Ashley (Lance) and Matthew; 11 great grandchildren; siblings: Mary (Rollie) Hermes, Jerome (Jan) Gonnering, Ed (Judy) Gonnering, Fran (Betty) Gonnering, Betty (Jon) Pengelly, sister-in-law: Judy Gonnering, other relatives and friends.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Jeff, great grandson, Noah Gietman, brothers, Joe and Ves and son-in-law, O.J. Bunno.

The Memorial Mass will be on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, with Father Xavier Santiago officiating.  Friends and family may gather on Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass.  The family would like to thank Dr. Phillips and Daisy, the Oncology Nurses, ThedaCare Hospice Nurses, Dr. Spencer, as well as, Lauri with St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church for all their wonderful care of Larry. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.  The Maple Crest Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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