Lawrence “Larry” Thorpe, 91, of Sheboygan, WI, passed away on February 16th, 2023 after a brief battle with cancer of the brain. Larry was born on April 6, 1931, in Algona, IA, the son of Frank and Ruby Thorpe.
In 1942 the family moved to Ames, IA where Larry enjoyed his studies, happily participated in many sports, and graduated from Ames High School in 1949. Larry received a Navy ROTC scholarship, attending Iowa State University where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, graduating in 1953 with a BS degree in Technical Journalism. In 1954 Larry married Beatrice Briley in Ames, IA and they enjoyed 56 happy years before she passed in 2010.
After college Larry went into the Navy for six years (stationed in San Diego CA, Rochester NY, and Racine, WI), remaining in the Navy Reserves for twenty years, and rising to the rank of Commander.
After his Navy Active Service and working as a writer for companies in Racine, WI, Midland, MI, and Chicago, IL. In 1978 Larry started his own business, Thorpe Public Relations. In 1995, after living in Arlington Heights IL for 30 years, he relocated to Kohler, WI. He enjoyed being his own boss and serving his many special clients. So much so, that he continued working until the age of 78.
Larry enjoyed many activities, including skiing, golfing, travelling, reading, and eating out. He was member of St Luke United Methodist Church and Pine Hills Country Club.
Larry is survived by his fiancée, Shirley Westby of Sheboygan; sons Richard (Judy) of Tuscaloosa, AL, and Robert of Sheboygan, WI; daughter, Nancy (David) Wright of Cleveland, WI, and grandchildren, Kelsey Wright and Logan Wright.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, sister Eleanor Buehler, Brandon SD, brother Russell Thorpe, Sterling IL, and daughter-in-law Debra Thorpe.
Thank you to Dr. Marshall Matthews and his team, the care team from Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, and Meadow View Health Services for your excellent, compassionate, personal care for Larry and his loved ones.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00PM on Saturday February 25, 2023 at St. Luke Methodist Church, 623 Ontario Ave. in Sheboygan with Pastor Cindy Thompson officiating. The family will receive visitors at the church on Saturday from 11:00AM-12:00PM. All are welcome to join a livestream of the service at wenig.live/LarryThorpe .
He will be laid to rest at Woodland Cemetery in Kohler with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Luke United Methodist Church.
Wenig Funeral Home – Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.wenigfh.com for online condolences.
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