Larry Fitzmaurice

Larry Fitzmaurice, age 89 of Neillsville, WI passed away with family at his side at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, WI January 14, 2025.

Born at home June 21, 1935, in Humbird, WI son of Jake and Viola Fitzmaurice, the second of four children. Growing up Larry would recount living on the heels of the great depression, his family frequently purchased a farmstead long enough to renovate and move on to the next project farm.

Growing up Larry received his elementary school education in one room schoolhouses around Humbird, WI, graduating from Alma Center High School in 1954. Post high school he attended White Water Business College earning a degree in Business Accounting. The military called in 1957 serving until 1959, with 13 months in Korea. After working two years in the business accounting field Larry attended UW River Falls receiving a teaching degree and became a high school agriculture education instructor.

In 1973 he returned to UW River Falls earning the degree Master of Science in Teaching. Upon earning his degree Larry was employed by University Wisconsin Extension as an associate professor until retirement in 1993. Finding his agriculture niche he worked in Marathon, Wood, Taylor, Vernon, and Clark County with local farmers on dairy herd improvement and management programs. Additional part time summer work was performed judging horse shows and as a crop insurance adjuster for North Central Crop Insurance.

Larry was united in marriage to Sharon Drescher, December 7, 1968, for 56 years. Together they enjoyed fishing and horses. Much time was dedicated to the raising, training, and showing horses as a family. The horse bug soon became a way of life only to be passed to his next generation. Showing horses was only replaced by becoming a judge at horse shows. Working with 4H youth and their horse projects was one

of his many passions. He was instrumental and took pride in bringing Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned rodeos to the Clark County Fair. Retirement years during the winter months were spent in South Texas. Having happy feet, he enjoyed traveling in his motorhome visiting many states expanding his social circle of friends. Larry was very active with community service, serving on the Clark County Board, Fair Board, and Optimist Club.

Surviving family members include his wife, Sharon. Three children, Theresa (Ken) Christian of Hortonville, WI; Peter (Jayne) Fitzmaurice of Appleton, WI; Doyle (Dawn) Fitzmaurice of Sparta, WI. Nine grandchildren, Tom Fitzmaurice of Oshkosh, WI; and Tim (Tina) Fitzmaurice of New London, WI; Shawn (Heidi) Christian of Oshkosh, WI; Trevor (Meghan) Christian of Port Washington, WI; Halle Fitzmaurice of Sparta, WI; Isaiah Fitzmaurice of LaCrosse, WI; McKenzie Olson of Montello, WI, Kristin (Nels)

Christenson of Grand Forks, ND; Kaylin (Paul) Terpening of Galesburg, IL. One sister Velva (Cernik) of Neillsville. Along with nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Jake and Viola Fitzmaurice, brother LeRoy (Ada) Fitzmaurice, and brother Dennis Fitzmaurice in infancy.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Immanuel Lutheran Church Globe, N6466 County Hwy G, Neillsville, WI with Pastor Nathan Wilke officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Military Rites will take place following services.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family.