Larry Studesville

Madison - Larry L.  Studesville, age 75, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at his home. He was born on March 31, 1947, in St. Louis, MO, the son of Alfonso and Margaret Studesville.  Larry had three brothers – Alfonso Jr., Donald, and Orlando – who were his best friends growing up.

Larry called Madison his home, having moved here at the age of 2. He was a proud graduate of Central High School in Madison, which had a culture of diversity and inclusion that could serve as a model for any institution today. Larry attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and attended many Badger sporting events over the years. He enjoyed his Breakfast Club friends and summer evenings at Otto’s. One of his biggest joys was taking cross-country road trips with his beloved wife Jan, most often to Palm Springs, CA.

He served at an executive level in both business and government – working at Wisconsin Power and Light (now Alliant Energy) and being appointed by three governors to hold positions with the Wisconsin state government. He was also tapped to fill interim executive positions with the City of Madison and served on the Board of Directors for North American Tool Company for more than 30 years. He made close, personal connections with the North American Tool family.

In 1966 he married Pamela McMillan, and they had three children – Charise, Nichole, and Michael. On June 17, 2006, he married Jan Hamik and gained another daughter, Kensy, and another son, Tavis. Larry and Jan’s beautiful, blended family included 12 grandchildren – Ashley, Casey, Hallie, Jacob, Gabriel, Jaquis, Caleh, Mya, Noah, Braden, Abby, and Lexie – each of whom he adored.

He is survived by his wife and soulmate Jan, his children Charise Studesville (Michael Boykins), Nichole (Gabriel) Collins, Michael Studesville, Kensy (Neal) Rozga, and Tavis Abrahamsen, as well as his grandchildren, brothers Donald and Orlando, and a passel of cousins whom he loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Alfonso Studesville and Al's wife Jan, and his close childhood friend Bruce Knox.

A special thank you to Dr. Fahad Aziz. Larry believed precious years were added to his life because he had the good fortune to be in the care of this man who became his friend. Thanks also to the amazing caregivers at UW Hospital and the UW Rehab Hospital.

A celebration of life will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., Madison, on Friday, August 19, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., Madison, on Thursday, August 18, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Friday, August 19, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. The celebration of life will also be live-streamed via the following link: event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=522b7be7-d377-448c-9962-04e94886948c

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made in Larry’s name to the UW Health Transplant Center Greatest Needs Fund. To make a gift online, visit wiscmedicine.org/transplant and select the Greatest Needs Fund. To make a gift by check:  UW Foundation, Memo Line: UW Health Transplant Center Greatest Needs Fund. Mail to UW Foundation, US Bank Lockbox, Box 78807, Milwaukee, WI   53278-0807.

Larry loved life, and his friends and family loved him for the playful, serious, wise man that he was. His rich laugh and spirit of kindness drew people to him, and many felt they were better for having known him.

“In the Gardens of Memory, in the Palace of Dreams, That is Where You and I Shall Meet.” (Lewis Carroll)

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

6021 University Avenue

(608) 238-8406