Larry Dale Rather

Larry Dale Rather, of Oconomowoc, WI, passed away on August 9, 2024, at the age of 78. Born on August 6, 1946, in Waukesha, WI, Larry was a beloved son of Lawrence and Irene Rather.

After graduating from Oconomowoc High School in 1964, Larry embarked on a successful career in the manufacturing industry, where he held various roles at companies such as Dickens Machine, L E Meyers, and Pabst Farms before assuming the position of Vice President at Len-Loy Manufacturing. Even after his retirement, Larry continued to share his wealth of knowledge and expertise by working alongside Bob Miller on the farm, demonstrating a strong work ethic.

Outside of work, Larry had a passion for crafting. He spent many hours in his garage workshop, where he poured his creativity into making meaningful items for family and friends and was always willing to lend a helping hand where needed. Larry's love for cars, especially corvettes, was evident, as was his appreciation for nature and animals.

Larry was a passionate pilot who cherished the skies and held a lifetime membership with the EAA. He was also a member of the Lions Club, where he exemplified service and leadership, and as a board member of the United Grain Producers of WI, where he played a vital role in supporting local agriculture.

Larry spent years inspiring countless young lives through his involvement with Boy Scout Troop 69 where he served as a Merit Badge Counselor, Quartermaster and was a proud member of the Order of the Arrow.

Larry had a sense of humor that could light up any room, and his quick wit kept those around him on their toes. Larry was a pillar of strength and support to his family, finding joy in spending time with all those he loved. He was a man of faith, a proud member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ashippun, finding strength and solace in his community.

Married to his high school sweetheart, Suzanne Rather, for 55 years, Larry leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and hard work. He is survived by his devoted wife Suzanne (Suzy); children Misty (Mike) Neergaard, Roman (AFS exchange student from Switzerland) and Susanne (AFS exchange student from Denmark); grandchildren Maitland and Marcel Neergaard; great-granddaughter Maya Jones; sister-in-law Sandra Polster; brothers in-law Dennis Dobberfuhl and Lynn Longley; along with nieces, nephews, godchildren and many other family and friends.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents; son Todd Rather; brother Kenneth Rather; sisters Sally Dobberfuhl, Shirley Waltritsch, Sharon Longley and Wendy Sue Rather; daughter-in-law Okie Rather; brother-in-law Ramon Waltritsch; sister-in-law Roseann Rather; and in-laws Helen and Lloyd Polster.

In honor of Larry's memory, the family requests that donations be made to the Humane Animal Welfare Society (H.A.W.S) and Zion Lutheran Church.

A visitation to celebrate Larry’s life will take place on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church (N557 Main St, Ashippun, WI 53003) from 11:00am-1:00pm with a service to follow.