Larry D. Elsen

Larry D. Elsen, 76, of Onalaska, passed away at his home on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. He was born May 24, 1945, in La Crosse to Donald and Vivian (Thompson) Elsen and graduated from Onalaska High School in 1963. On May 2, 1964, he married Judith Ann Wittenberg; she preceded him in death on October 17, 2013.

Larry enlisted in the United States Navy in 1963 and was stationed on the USS Wright in Portsmouth, Virginia. Larry and Judy's daughter, Lynne, was born while Larry was out to sea and he was notified by telegram. Larry honed his love of cooking by feeding thousands of his shipmates. Taking care of the crew led to taking care of those around him back home. Larry was well known for preparing way too much food for holidays and family gatherings, always worrying it wouldn't be enough. He would make sure you left with a full stomach and leftovers in hand. His active duty ended in 1966 and moved his family back to Onalaska, served two more years in the reserves, discharging in 1968.

After returning to Onalaska, Larry began a meat cutting apprenticeship with Quillins IGA, staying on as a meat cutter until 1978. Larry and Judy bought the Holmen Locker that same year, operating it until 1996, making many friends along the way. After taking some time off, Larry brought his expertise to Festival Foods until his retirement in 2020. He was a mentor to many and willingly shared his knowledge and experience.

Larry loved to fish; many weekends were spent up north muskie fishing, later making the switch to bass fishing. He loved to compete in fishing tournaments and was the proud winner of a fully rigged bass boat at the inaugural American Marine National Bass Tournament held in La Crosse. He also loved to hunt, camp out on the river with his children, and host Sunday dinners with his kids and grandkids.

Larry is survived by his three children; Lynne (Robert) Gaustad of Holmen, Cheryl (Mike) Patterson of Spring Grove, MN, and John (Kristin) Elsen of Holmen; five grandchildren, Austin, Isaac, Caleigh, Maddy and MJ; two sisters, Patricia Hermanns of Dayton, OH and Sandra (Dave) Demorest of Onalaska; two brothers, Robert Elsen (Miriam Turner) and Ronald Elsen (Sue Powers) both of Onalaska; and close friends Lois Rahn of Onalaska and Bruce Chandler of Holmen. In addition to his wife, Judith, he was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Nancy Elsen and a brother, Donald (Ducky) Elsen. Larry's family would like to thank Gundersen Health System Oncology and Radiation Oncology Departments, every doctor, nurse, MA, and CNA involved in his care, as well as St. Croix Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, March 8 ^th at First Lutheran Church, 410 Main Street, Onalaska with Rev. Karyn Bodenschatz officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Onalaska City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7 P.M. Monday at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 907 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska; and again on Tuesday at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services.