Larry Lee Lunda

Larry Lee Lunda, age 62 passed away peacefully with his fiancée by his side on Friday, January 19, 2024 at the West Florida Hospital in Pensacola, Florida.

Larry was born on July 7, 1961 in Dodgeville, WI and graduated from Pecatonica High School, Blanchardville, in 1979. He attended MATC in Madison and graduated in 1981 with a Police Science Degree. He spent much of his career working for American Family Insurance in Madison, WI.

Larry was raised by his loving parents, Ardell and Rosalie (Moen) Lunda, in the beautiful countryside surrounding his beloved hometown of Blanchardville.  It was in this countryside, his sanctuary, that Larry found profound peace and happiness. He walked daily through the wooded hills and valleys overlooking the hallowed grounds of his youth. Most often he would have his dog, a fishing pole or a rifle with him as he was an avid hunter and fisherman, he spent much of his time outside enjoying all the glory the four seasons provided on the lands that were sacred to him. Throughout his life Larry would revisit this area when he needed to gather strength and to fill his soul with the contentment, he felt in years past.

Larry was a gifted athlete and earned many conference medals over his 4 years of high school track participation. Excelling in the 100-yard dash, long jump, 220-yard dash, 440-yard dash and 880-yard relay earned Larry MVP status for 3 consecutive years. He set 4 records his senior year of which his record in the long jump of 20 ft. 2 ½ inches stood for approximately 15 years and his record in the 100-yard dash of 10.4 seconds was long standing as well. Larry finished his track career as a state contender in the 100-meter dash his senior year. Larry continued to enjoy sports in a very significant way by coaching his 5 children in middle school track, football and basketball programs. He would talk about coaching his children often as it was important and held great meaning to him.

Larry was strong in his Christian faith and was a loyal leader in his church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Deerfield, WI. Inspired by his faith, he wrote and delivered many sermons. He also served as their worship and music chair and loved organizing hymn selection to ensure the old favorites were sung as well as the new hymns of the day. He taught confirmation and Sunday school classes and participated in church plays and skits. Larry also served as vice president of church council for two terms and was proud to serve as the church’s resident historian.

All his life, Larry was a prolific writer and wrote a novella, many parodies, stories and poems. He was also a talented musician and wrote songs and composed music.  He had a passion for all genres of music but one of his greatest joys was performing alongside his father as they played their guitars and sang for church services and funerals.  

Throughout his life, Larry enjoyed riding his Harley motorcycles and the sense of freedom he gained from just being on the open road.  He also found much happiness in sitting by the river and visiting with local folks in Blanchardville.

Larry is survived by his children, Shawn (Paige) Lunda of Brodhead, Stephen Lunda, Elizabeth Lunda, and Seth (Corina) Lunda all of Madison, his father, Ardell Lunda and stepmother, Deanna Salzman Lunda of Middleton, his grandchildren, Tyson Flahavan, Averie, Landon, Charlotte, Hailey and Hannah Lunda and his sister, Shari Eberhardt. Larry is also survived by his fiancée, Linda Lien Thompson and her granddaughters Lyric and Arianna Headley.

Larry was preceded in death by his mother, Rosalie Joan Lunda, his son, Scott August Lunda, his grandparents Arvel and Alice (Anderson) Lunda and Ancil and Helga (Kammerud) Moen.

A visitation for Larry will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 10:00 am until 12:30 pm at the Yellowstone Lutheran Church at 4472 Saints Rd, in rural Blanchardville.  A funeral service will follow at 12:30 pm at the church. Rev. Dan Bohlman of that church will officiate.  Burial will follow in the Adams Cemetery between Blanchardville and Argyle.  A funeral lunch will follow burial at the Adams Lutheran Church.  Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family.  Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at saetherfuneralservice.com or on the Saether Funeral Service Facebook page.

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