Larry H. Burkum

Larry Howard Burkum, age 72, of DeSoto and formerly of LaCrosse, WI, died unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024. He was born on July 14th, 1952, in LaCrosse to Harold and Thelma (Helgerson) Burkum. Raised in a family of five children, he was the youngest and the only boy. Taking full advantage of that fact, he graciously allowed his four sisters to spoil him rotten. Despite his very “privileged” upbringing, Larry became a loving, unselfish adult. He grew to become a kind caring man with a quick witt and teasing manner. We will miss his huge bear hugs and the quiet “I love you” whispered in our ears. 

Larry attended LaCrosse public schools and graduated from Central High School in 1970. Shortly after graduation, he started working as a machinist at Trane Company. He preferred working the second and third shifts as a self-proclaimed night owl. After 47 years on the job, he retired in 2016. During his employment with Trane, Larry met the love of his life, Marianne (Micky) Mikl Ross. His wise decision to marry her netted him three step-sons that he would have been so proud to call his own sons and a bonus of four more sisters to wait on him hand and foot. What more could any guy want! Larry and Micky celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on August 28th. 

Larry loved the outdoors, and in his younger years, he enjoyed various outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, exploring the marsh, gardening, and ice skating in the winter. His favorite activity, though, was slow-pitch softball which he played for many years. Injuries he received playing ball shadowed him for the rest of his life helping to limit his ability to participate in outdoor activities in later years. Larry enjoyed reading an occasional book as well as watching sports and history channels on tv. His favorite indoor activities included cheering on the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers, as well as heckling his wife. 

Larry is survived by his wife Marianne (Micky); Sisters- Helen Rach, Connie Adam, and Karen Gudmundson; Step-sons: John (Roxanne) Ross and Jeremy (Stacey) Ross; Step-grandsons Jermyn (Kassie) Pedretti-Ross, Andrew Ross, Aleck Ross, and Landon Ross; Great-granddaughter Aniya Pedretti-Ross; Sisters-in-law: Bonnie Mikl, Sandra Loew, Bernie (Earl) Hassemer, Vergene (Kevin) Knudson and Janice Mikl; Brothers-in-law: Dennis (Donna) Schantz, Rick (Jeanette) Mikl and Jim (Stephanie) Mikl; Many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews. He is further survived by many cousins and friends, including a lifelong friend, David Gordon. 

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his maternal and paternal grandparents, sister Muriel (Burkum) Schantz, step-son Jacob Ross; step-granddaughter Madisyn Pedretti-Ross; brothers-in-law David Rach, Larry Loew, Clarence (Clancy) Mikl, and John Mikl, and niece Lisa (Adam) Olson. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 9th, 2024 at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Avenue S., La Crosse WI. Pastor Brian Schwering will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Private burial services at St. Charles Church in Genoa will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.