SPARTA-Larry Gale “Ike” Isensee, 79, of Sparta, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at his home. He was born April 18, 1946 to Harvey and Mildred (Young) Isensee in Sparta. He graduated from Sparta High School in 1964. After graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Thailand.
Larry married Marilyn Anderson, May 12, 1973. They built their house in Sparta in 1976. They were blessed with 2 children.
Larry started working as a game warden in 1969 for a short time. After that, he worked for Northern Engraving and Wesco. In December of 1972, he started working at Fort McCoy in ECS, and joined the Army Reserves until his retirement in 2006. He was an active member of the 40 et 8, American Legion and the VFW where he met some of his lifelong friends. Larry and Marilyn got to travel on many trips where he made some of his best memories.
After retirement, he enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed watching his favorite sports teams, The Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Wisconsin Badgers. When he was watching a game, he always thought he could be a better coach than the ones coaching.
Larry was a family man and loved his wife, children and grandchildren, who he adored. He will always be remembered as Papa Ike. He loved it when they came to visit to sit in on the deck, by a campfire or his favorite place, his shed.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn; children, Jeremy (Emilee) Isensee and Michelle (Chad) Schmitz; grandchildren, Ethan, Maycee and Olivia; Brothers, Brent (Linda) Isensee and Glenn (Susan) Isensee; stepbrother, Jim Huber; brothers-in-law, Loren (Edie) Anderson, and Alan (Betty) Anderson; sisters-in-law, Karen (Reed) Carnahan and Kristine Anderson; many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey Isensee and Mildred Huber; brother and sister-in-law, Wally and Ellen Isensee; brother-in-law, Lloyd Pletsch; and niece, Lauri Anderson.
The family would like to thank the First Responders, Sparta Ambulance, Lanham- Schanhofer Funeral Home and Pastor Amanda, for all their help and wonderful services.
A Memorial Service was held at 12 p.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta with Pastor Amanda Schulz officiating. Burial, with full military honors, provided by American Legion Post 100 and VFW Post 2112, Sparta, was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Sparta.
Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com. Memorials can be given to Freedom Honor Flight and the American Heart Association.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
