Obit: Pokallus, Lawrence H. "Larry" (1928 – 2016)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Pokallus, Berninghaus, Rand, Clendenin, Stelson, Luedtke, Day, Frey, Johnson

Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 28 Dec 2016

Pokallus, Lawrence H. "Larry" (27 JAN 1928 – 24 DEC 2016)

Lawrence H. "Larry" Pokallus, age 88, of Spencer, passed away peacefully with loved ones at his bedside on Saturday December 24, 2016 at House of The Dove in Marshfield.

His funeral service will be held at 11AM on Friday, December 30, 2016 at Life Tributes Funeral Home in Spencer with Pastor Gisele Berninghaus officiating. Burial will follow in West Spencer Cemetery in the Town of Sherman. Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday at the funeral home from 4PM until 7PM and again on Friday from 10AM until time of services. The honor of pallbearer will belong to Kevin Rand, Chad Pokallus, Jason Luedtke, Jeremy Day, Brandon Luedtke, Jacob Day, Matthew Prein and Kyle Pokallus.

Larry was born in Abbotsford on January 27, 1928, the son of Albert and Martha (Clendenin) Pokallus. Following his brother's footsteps, Larry enlisted in the United States Navy towards the end of WWII and faithfully served his country until his honorable discharge. After first meeting at a school dance, Larry proposed and married his sweetheart Joyce Stelson on November 15, 1947 at St. Matthew's Church in Marshfield. To this union six children were born. His employment history included working at Rollohome in Marshfield as a welder and later as part of the convoy crew transporting mobile homes. After leaving Rollohome he started working for O'Brien Construction Company employed as a heavy equipment operator. In 1978 he took the position of Public Works Director for the Village of Spencer until his retirement.

His hobbies included hunting and fishing but especially enjoyed his woodworking with his patient and gifted hands.

Larry was a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church in Marshfield. Survivors include his loving wife Joyce Pokallus of Spencer, his children: Diane (Mark) Rand of Spencer, Greg (Deb) Pokallus of Spencer, Patti (Ralph) Luedtke of Grafton, Jody (Jim) Day of Spencer, Scott (Deb) Pokallus of Spencer and Jeff Pokallus of Neillsville; his grandchildren: Kim, Kevin, Brittany, Jennifer, Chad, Jason, Brandon, Jeremy, Jacob, Jayme, Matthew, Tiffany, Kyle and Cassidy; 19 great grandchildren; his siblings: Ralph Pokallus of Marshfield, Gloria Frey of Marshfield and Carol (David) Johnson of Edgar along with many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson Bradley, a great grandson Aydin, two brothers: Dale and Carl, a half- sister Lola Sterzinger, a half-brother James, and his canine companion "Major".

In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting memorials in Larry's name to either House of The Dove or Ministry Home Care Hospice both in Marshfield.

Arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com  to share thoughts and condolences.