Larry John “Whitey” Lessard
With his family’s love surrounding him, Larry John “Whitey” Lessard, 66, of Horicon, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 1, at Carson Tahoe Continuing Care Hospital in Carson City, Nev.
Larry was born on Jan. 2, 1950, in Prairie du Chien, son to George and Marie (Andrews) Lessard. There he was raised and became a hardworking, commercial fisherman on the Mississippi River. While working for her uncle, Larry met his best friend and wife of 44 years, Dorla (Timmerman). They were united in marriage on July 16, 1971, and moved to Horicon, Wis. Larry and Dorla were blessed with three children, George, Sarah and Franklin, as well as their nephew, Phillip Jenkins. Larry worked at Maysteel of Mayville, and then later at MEC of Mayville where he retired as a tool crib attendant in 2009.
Larry was a member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Horicon. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, thrift shopping, and traveling the country with his wife. Larry was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather and uncle, who loved sharing stories and spending time with family and friends. Larry was a kind, caring and generous man, and will be missed dearly by all those who knew him.
Larry is survived by his loving wife, Dorla; his children George Lessard (Monica Mooney) of Hudson, Sarah Matthews (Christopher) of Mayville, and Franklin Lessard (Vicki) of Beaver Dam; his grandchildren Ethan, Lillian, Jack, Aryana and Luke; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers George “Tommy” Lessard, Gordon “Louie” Lessard, Joseph Lessard and twin brother, Jerry “Blackie” Lessard, along with his sisters Josephine Lessard, Bonnie Weidner, Joan Emmerick and Sharon Jenkins.
Thank you to everyone for their continued thoughts and prayers for Larry and his family this past month. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 9, with visitation at 12 p.m. and service at 1 p.m., at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 505 N. Palmatory St., Horicon, WI, with a luncheon to follow. An interment service will take place in Prairie du Chien on Saturday, July 30, followed by a picnic lunch and celebration of life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. In Larry’s honor, donations will then be made to various organizations.