Laurance "Louse" "Larry" Paul Larsen

Laurance Paul “Louse” Larsen, who also went by Larry (a man of many names), passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026, after years of courageous endurance through health trials followed by a short and final chapter battling lung cancer.

A lifelong resident of Racine, Wisconsin, Larry was a proud graduate of J.I. Case High School. In 1976, he married Mary Louise (Slesar) Larsen, and together they shared the greatest joys of his life: their two children, Paul and Shari. Although Larry and Mary Lou’s paths eventually diverged after an extended marriage, Larry remained determined and steadfast in his devotion to his family. He spent his later years focused on what mattered most: strengthening the bonds with his children and ensuring they knew they were his greatest legacy. His role as a father, and later as “Grandpa” and “Pop Pop,” was one he held with immense pride, providing a quiet, steady love that will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his children, Paul (Shalen) Larsen and Shari (Scott) Scheider; Mary Lou Larsen; and six grandchildren of whom he was ridiculously proud: Riley, Sarah, Ellie, Lucy, Ian, and Charlotte. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Lars Paul and Elsie; his dear brother, William; and Carl and Louise Slesar. Our family takes great comfort in knowing that he and his family are reunited once again after his brother’s unexpected passing in 2013.

Larry’s career was defined by his skill and dedication. A Journeyman Electrician by trade, he was a proud and loyal member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 430. He spent many years working various roles, with his final tenure at SC Johnson Wax, where his colleagues knew him as a reliable presence and a master of his craft. He took immense pride in his work, and the friendships he built within the brotherhood of the union and at the plant remained a vital, and so very important, part of his life.

During his retirement, he enjoyed 3D printing intricate designs, Jethro Tull, and a good smoke. Whether he was known as Laurance, Larry, or the affectionately titled “Louse,” he answered to each with an exciting willingness to help and serve. His work helping people and his generosity will continue through all of us. To know him was to know a man who valued his relationships above all else, maintaining his connections to family and friends even when his physical strength was tested.

Services will be held at Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, with visitation from 10-11 am and service directly after. The service will be followed by a private, family-led interment at West Lawn Memorial Park.

The family would like to extend a warm thank you to all of Larry’s friends and family who visited him, kept his spirits high, and helped with logistics over the last few weeks. Even greater gratitude is sent to the caring and empathetic staff at Ascension Hospital on Spring Street, who cared for Larry these last few weeks. In honor of Larry’s generous spirit and in lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission (milmission.org) and/or the American Cancer Society (cancer.org).