Larry A. Mauch

Larry A. Mauch, 83 of Onalaska, Wis., left his earthly home and passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on October 17, 2018 at Gundersen Health System, La Crosse.

Larry was born July 18, 1935 in Goodrich, ND, to Otto and Lydia (Stein) Mauch. He lived his childhood years in Goodrich and at the age of 17 enlisted in the United States Army in the parachute jump training program at Fort Benning, GA. He was stationed with the 82 ^nd Airborne Division in North Carolina and in early 1953 was deployed to Korea. Larry was proud to have served his country and many flags were displayed around his apartment and on his motorized scooter.

Following his discharge from the Army, he returned to the La Crosse area working various jobs. He loved to fish, cook and travel until an accident limited his physical mobility. Despite being confined to a wheelchair for the past 40 years, he managed very well with a little assistance, to live and care for himself for 25 years at Greendale Apartments in Onalaska. Larry was a blessing to many and they to him. When he saw a need in someone’s life he helped in any way he could. When health issues arose, he moved into Hillview Healthcare where he lived until his passing.

Larry was a dog lover and always had the bird feeders full for the wide variety of birds and squirrels that came to eat. Squirrels were often sitting on his window ledge looking in. They always “Got their bellies full at Larry’s place” he would say. There was always something outside his window to watch and he enjoyed that so very much.

He is survived by his sister Arvilla “Joyce” Olson, several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and his caregiver of 27 years Rosalie and her son Ryan whom he has known since he was 3 years old and now lives in California.   He was preceded in death by his parents.

We would like to thank Dr. Rhonda Sallaway, Chaplain Marvin Jonasen and the Oncology Department staff at Gundersen for the love, care and compassion shown to Larry during his short stay. It made the journey home comforting for him and he truly felt it. He had the “Peace that passeth all understanding”. Phil. 4:7.

Also, to the staff at Hillview Health Care, (and you know Larry had his favorites) thank you for that SPECIAL care that was shown to him. You know it put a smile 😊 on his face to see you.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, October 26, 2018 at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services Onalaska chapel; 907 Sand Lake Rd. Rev. Stephen Terpstra will officiate and music will be provided by Chaplain Marvin Jonasen. Burial with military honors provided by American Legion Post 336 will follow in the Onalaska Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 12 noon until the time of services. Online guestbook may be signed at www.schumacher-kish.com .

Larry’s wishes were in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the Coulee Region Humane Society.

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present in the Lord”. 2 Cor. 5:8.