TOMAH - Larry Dale Parish, age 85, of Tomah, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at the Mayo Hospital, Lacrosse, WI. He was born on January 3, 1938, to Elzie and Dorothy (Lucille) Parish in La Crosse, WI. Larry attended Ontario High School in Ontario, Wisconsin, and later served in the United States Army as a Paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Following active duty, he served in the Wisconsin National Guard, fulfilling his obligation.
On September 21, 1957, Larry married his High School Sweetheart and the love of his life, Loretta Downing. Their union brought two sons into the world, Gregory and Kevin Parish.
Larry’s career included employment at Fisher Body (Chevrolet) in Janesville, Wisconsin for 2 years, as well as work at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, and later in Tomah, Wisconsin. He retired in 1993 from the Veterans Administration Hospital in Tomah, after 35 years of dedicated service. After retirement, he ventured into the business of mudjacking, where he was the owner/operator for 10 years with his wife by his side.
Larry was an active member of the Masonic Lodge since 1969 and achieved the 32nd degree Scottish Rite in 1971. He was also a member of the Eastern Star for many years.
He had a passion for various hobbies, including RVing, winter visits to Texas, and a particular love for Cub Cadet Garden tractors. Larry enjoyed participating in tractor pulling competitions and even involved his wife, sons, and grandchildren in this activity. His other hobbies included building birdhouses, yard work, camping, fishing, working in his shop, word searches, playing solitaire and running a long-arm quilter with his wife.
Larry is survived by his wife of 66 years, Loretta, his children Gregory (Vicki) Parish of Hazel Green, Wisconsin, and Kevin (Lisa) Parish of Tomah, Wisconsin. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Ashley (Jerrod) Wolf, Bridget (Chad) Leis, Garrett Parish, Shana Parish, Mallory Johnson, and Morgan (Nick) Widzins. Great-grandchildren, Mason, Hailey, Emma, Coltin, Calyn, Benjamin, Kady, Ryan, Nolan, Sophia, Jonathan, Lillian, Sister Betty (Norbert) Burch, sisters-in-law Patricia (Kenneth) Erdman and Arlene (Gene) Radtke, and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Elzie and Dorothy (Lucille) Parish, father and mother-in-law Ellsworth and Delia Downing, sister Shirley Tutt, brothers-in-law Gerald Tutt and Gene Kortbein.
Larry was a proud husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Larry’s gentle spirit, kind heart, and unwavering devotion to his loved ones will be deeply missed.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to all family, friends, minister, the church, funeral home, and others who have offered support during this time.
Memorial Services will be held on Monday, October 23, 2023, 12:00 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home on Monday. The Torkelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com
Torkelson Funeral Home
