Larry W Hauger

Larry William Hauger, age 87 of Stoughton, Wisconsin left this world for Paradise on July 16th, 2024. Larry showed us all what it was like to be young at heart until the very end. He passed away doing two things he loved dearly – riding his Harley and being of service to a fellow Veteran.

Larry was born on January 29th, 1937, in Pearl, Illinois to Maleta and Henry Hauger. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force for over 20 years and served two tours in Vietnam. After his retirement from the Air Force in 1976 he went on to work for a few years at various local companies until he found his calling at the Veterans Administration in Madison working as the Veterans Service Officer for 24 years. Larry lived and breathed his job at the VA which gave him a great sense of purpose. Saying that he went “above and beyond” in his duties would be an understatement to describe his work ethic and commitment to his fellow disabled comrades.

Larry never “officially” retired. He stayed busy constantly and continued to volunteer and assist any veteran in need. He was a member of the VFW, Chapter 5 and the Disabled American Veterans. Larry spent every day in his workshop making just about anything you could imagine from wood. 

Larry is survived by his loving wife and companion of 11 years, Michelle Poe Cook Hauger of Stoughton, his son Stephen (Kari) Hauger of Stoughton, daughter Sharon H. Biesenthal of Norfolk, Va. Stepsons Bryan (Amy) Cook of Stoughton, Lance (Stephanie) Cook of Arena. Grandchildren: Brittney Carter, Christopher (Krystal) Hauger, Karissa (Cole) Hauger, John (Brooke) Surin, Jr., Cameron (Meghan) Hauger. Step Grandchildren: Key, Kylie, Gracie, Blake, Samantha, Morgan and Haley. Great Grandchildren: Joanna, Landon, Braxton and Abigail.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Maleta (Victor) Bopp, Henry Hauger. His sisters Wilma Riess, Ann Heffington and his loving wife of 40 years, Lenora C. Hauger.

Visitation will be at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Stoughton on Tuesday, July 23rd from 5-7pm. Family will greet visitors at St. Ann’s Church on Wednesday, July 24th at 12:30pm with a Catholic Mass to follow at 1pm. Full military honors will be given at the graveside burial immediately following the service.

“It’s not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something” – Winston S. Churchill.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 

206 W. Prospect, P.O. Box 231, Stoughton

(608) 873-9244