Lawrence Clarence Gontarek

Lawrence “Larry” Clarence Gontarek, ae 93, loving husband, father, papa and great-grandfather, passed away December 10, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin. He was born on March 2, 1931, in Milwaukee, the only child of Joseph and Martha (Larkowski) Gontarek. Larry graduated from Pulaski High School in 1949 and attended UW Milwaukee and UW Madison.

He joined the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and served from 1951 until 1954 as an engine specialist. He was stationed at Truax Field, Madison and Thule Air Base Greenland.

Larry was united in marriage to his life-long love Sue (Kirby), also an only child, on February 11, 1956, in Madison, WI. He was employed by Gisholt Machine Company and later Oscar Mayer as a mechanical engineer for 30 years before his retirement in 1996.

Larry and Sue built their home in Hill Farms in 1962, and Larry remained in the home for 61 years.

Larry had a lifetime love of airplanes and cars and was a RC modeler. He enjoyed many years of traveling with Sue.

Larry’s love for Sue was profound and enduring. May the hole in his heart be healed as he is reunited with Sue of 61 years who preceded him in death in 2017.

Larry will be missed by his children: Michael, Laura Jane Randall, and Jeananne (Mark) Manthey. “Papa” to grandchildren: Terra (Jeff) Strand, Joshua Randall, Michelle (Adam) Rothering, Kevin Manthey, LeighAnn (Evan) Halverson and Ryan Gontarek; great-grandfather to Zoey, Atticus, Keira, Aidan and Nolan.

Please share your memories of Larry her on his tribute wall. 

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