Larry W. Butz

After a five-year struggle with Complete autonomic failure and Parkinson’s disease, Larry Butz passed away Friday, February 10, 2023 while surrounded by family at Eagle Crest South in La Crosse.

Larry was born September 23, 1947, to  Walter and Geraldyne (Lemieux) Butz, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He graduated from High School in 1966 and graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison where he earned a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1973. Larry and Julene Toebe were married in 1970 and moved to La Crosse to work at Trane in 1973.

Larry was employed by the Trane Company La Crosse in 1973 working in Heat Transfer and Exchange development. He later was assigned to Trane’s Epinal, France operation as Engineer Manager of the facility. Larry and his wife, Julene, traveled all over Europe during vacations. Later as a member of the International Group, for Trane he traveled extensively to China, Australia and the Middle East.

Larry left Trane in 2000 and became a consultant to The company. Several years later he decided to create his own consulting company, Global Engineering Associates, (GEA). GEA provided consulting work all over the U.S. and many foreign countries. These overseas opportunities enabled Larry to have international friends and develop a positive world view and appreciation for different cultures and travel.

Larry was passionate about being outside. While in France, he became a Tour de France fan since the Tour went by their house every year. He then began taking long bicycle rides. Back in La Crosse he helped organize a Trane tennis league. He also loved kayaking, canoeing and camping and helped to organize an outdoor group of Trane employees. The group paddled many whitewater rivers in Northern Wisconsin. He also took a highly exciting raft trip down the Grand Canyon. He was an avid Badger and Packer fan.

Larry also was an avid racquetball enthusiast and as a volunteer for the YMCA, helped organize many tournaments during the 70’s and 80’s when the sport was at its peak. The Octoberfest Tournament was one of his favorites and involved as many as 150 players from around the Midwest. The Oktoberfest royalty made the tournament one of their stops!

Larry was very generous and donated to several non-profit organizations.

In addition to his wife Julene, Larry leaves behind two brothers Ron (Terry) Butz, Lee Butz and sister Kathy (Mike) Noell.

In lieu of a public memorial service, the family and intimate friends will hold a life celebration for Larry. Please no flowers, rather memorial gifts may be made in Larry's name to the organization or charity of your choice.