Lawrence “Larry” E. Traun age 46 of La Crosse passed away unexpectedly of natural causes, at his home in La Crosse on Friday August 22, 2014.

Larry was born July 1, 1968 in Durand, the son of Larry and Barb (Berger) Traun. Larry grew up in the Durand area, graduated from Mondovi High School in 1986. Larry attended college and married Leslie Krueger in 1987. Together they had three daughters, Cassie, Jasmine and Haley, and they later divorced. Larry married Valerie Schmitz in 2000 and they had two sons, L. Ethan and John. Since 1986 Larry lived in the La Crosse area and worked at American Photo. In 2000, Larry and Valerie purchased Precision Photo in La Crosse and operated the business until 2009. For the past few years, Larry has worked as a bar manager in La Crosse.

Larry enjoyed playing tennis, softball, and golfing with his sons. He was an avid Packer, Brewer and Badger fan and enjoyed watching all the games, but most of all loved spending time with his family and friends. Larry had an infectious personality. He was good with people, once you met him you liked him.

Larry is survived by his wife Valerie, five children, Cassie A. Traun of Minneapolis; Jasmine E. Traun of Rocky Mount, NC; Haley M. Traun of Madison; L. Ethan and John at home; his parents, Larry and Barb Traun of Durand; one sister, Stephanie (Matt) Foust of Fountain City; a nephew and niece, Ben and Savannah Foust; several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. He is preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents Edmund and Ellen Traun; Leonard Berger and Jean Berger; a nephew, Dawson Foust; his father and mother-law, Paul and Doris Schmitz and a brother-in-law, John Schmitz.

A Time of Gathering will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday August 27, 2014 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand. Burial will be at a later date at the Maxville Cemetery, Township of Maxville, Buffalo County. Online condolences may be made at www.rhielfuneralhome.com

Condolences

1. JEFF BAUER March 31, 2015, at 2:13pm

   Hi LARRY & BARB;
   I am only now have become aware of your loss.
   Certainly must be hard even now.
   Sounds like you raised a wonderful son.
   Very Sorry for your loss
   Jeff

2. Nadine Schuh September 4, 2014, at 12:25pm

   This saying helped ease the pain when my brother and sister died. ((( When a loved one goes away on a trip we sadly say, " THERE HE GOES" BUT on the other side they joyfully say, " HERE HE COMES !!!" )))

3. Kathy Chambers August 29, 2014, at 9:09am

   So incredibly sorry for your loss. This is so unbelievable to me I can't even put my sadness into words. Larry was a truly amazing guy and good friend to everyone. Prayers to you and your families though this hard time.

4. Betty and Larry August 28, 2014, at 8:09am

   So sorry to hear of your loss. Barb, Larry and family, we are thinking of you at this time.

5. Rosemary Carlisle August 27, 2014, at 1:35pm

   My sympathy to the family to Barb and Larry and everyone, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

6. Stacy Hammes August 27, 2014, at 10:39am

   So sorry for your loss...Thoughts, prayers and hugs are being sent for your family at this time of sorrow and remembrance.

   Stacy Hammes
   Cub Scout Den Leader for John Traun

7. Carol (Berger) Morrison August 27, 2014, at 10:17am

   So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to Larry's whole family.

8. Susan Fedie PRONSCHINSKE August 26, 2014, at 8:37pm

   My prayers and sympathy go out to all of you. Larry was a great guy and a good friend.

9. Joel & Sue Thompson August 26, 2014, at 3:06pm

   VALERIE & Family
   So sorry to read about Larry. Your in our prayers. Take care and God Bless.

10. Melanie Maack August 26, 2014, at 2:39pm

    Val, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I was shocked to hear of your husband's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids.

11. Judi Darling August 26, 2014, at 10:38am

    Val, I am so sorry to you and your family, I have been thinking about you a lots this week in your time of sorrow. Take care of yourself!!! Hugs to you!!!

    Judi

12. Pao Xiong and Ya Sayaovang August 25, 2014, at 6:49pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayer.

13. Randy Kloes August 25, 2014, at 6:19pm

    My thoughts & prayers for Val and Larry's kids. Larry always had a good story or joke to tell, he had an infectious personality, and will be missed by many.

14. John Biesterveld August 25, 2014, at 5:12pm

    my sincere condolences go out to you and your family. I don't know if he ever talked about me but we were friends going way back our families would visit each other about once a month growing up. I can remember many many fun times we spent together growing up. He was one of a kind with a heart of gold and i will truely miss him. Again my prayers go out to you and the family

15. Guy and Kathleen Gregerson August 25, 2014, at 1:03pm

    It was an honor to know Larry. He was a hard working, friendly and honest person. We all looked up to him at American Photo and he was always there to help all of us. His passing was way too soon. Our thoughts and deepest condolences to Valerie and his family.

16. Laura Oates August 25, 2014, at 11:24am

    Dear Valerie and Family,

    I was shocked and saddened to hear of Larry's passing. He was such a funny guy and what a character. I know you will miss him terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

17. Linda Stetzer August 25, 2014, at 9:37am

    Our sincere condolences go out to you, Barb, Larry and all of Larry's family. Losing a loved one at such a young age is always so very hard. God bless you all.
    Dale and Linda

18. Laurie (Stoughton) Larkin August 25, 2014, at 8:23am

    To the Family of Larry Traun,
    I went to middle and high school with Larry. I remember his smile and laugh. We had 7th grade math and science together. He sat behind me and made little comments knowing it would make me laugh. Larry and I also played tennis several times in the summers. He was an excellent player. My prayers and sadness go out to you as you mourn for Larry. Bless you and please know that God is holding you through this hard time.

19. Gary and Karen Prissel August 25, 2014, at 8:20am

    So Sorry for your loss Larry, Barb and the whole Family of Lawrence..God Bless...

20. Sherri August 24, 2014, at 7:32pm

    Val & family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Thoughts & prayers

21. John Judy parr August 24, 2014, at 5:15pm

    Our prayers are with you, take care sorry for your loss

22. Steve Javner August 24, 2014, at 5:05pm

    Traun family,
    Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow.
    Were here for you if you need anything.
    Larry was more than a friend, he was my brother.

23. Calvin mahlum August 24, 2014, at 4:21pm

    Sorry to hear about Larry, my condolences.

24. Kurt, Kelly & Miranda Norman August 24, 2014, at 4:07pm

    We are so sorry to learn about the loss of Larry. We have no words. Please know we are thinking of you all.

25. John Wisniewski August 24, 2014, at 1:42pm

    So sorry for your loss, he was a great Bartender.. and very kind..

26. Connie Teale August 24, 2014, at 1:24pm

    Words cannot say how sorry I am of your loss my prayers go to your family.It will never be the same at Glory Days again.

27. Lois (Weisenbeck) MACHOTKA August 24, 2014, at 9:25am

    Barb, Larry and Larry's Family, I was saddened to see the obituary today. I will pray for all of you during this time. Love Lois(Weisenbeck) Machotka

28. Jerry Greider August 23, 2014, at 9:19pm

    It was fun giving you guff about all the spatens you gave me and eventually cut me off at 7 instead of 9. I have no words for your passing except that i'll c u when my time has come. So long good buddy. R.I.P.

29. Becky Prissel August 23, 2014, at 9:18pm

    My heart goes out to Larry's family during this very sad time...no words can express how sorry Scott and I are for your loss. Larry was a really great person. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.

30. Mark Schneider Family August 23, 2014, at 8:02pm

    Larry was called to a better place much too early.

31. Tara Thompson and Family August 23, 2014, at 6:15pm

    Terrible loss. Keeping the family in our prayers.

32. Amy August 23, 2014, at 5:47pm

    Larry was a great coworker and a very deep, thoughtful person full of wit and insight. Rest in peace, friend.

33. Tisha August 23, 2014, at 2:18pm

    Larry was a dear friend such an all around amazing person, He would do anything for anyone! I will miss you so very much Larry, I love you, Everyone loved you! Val, I am so so very sorry for you and your family's loss you are in my prayers.

34. Mary Lynn and Ken Smith August 23, 2014, at 1:46pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with Larry, Jr.'s family and friends at this sad time. Ken and I grew up and went to school with his parents, Barb and Larry, Sr., who would always fill us in on what was happening in Larry, Jr.'s and Steffie's families. Please accept our sincere condolences; we pray that memories of his life will sustain you as you grieve for his passing.

35. Kris August 23, 2014, at 1:24pm

    I can't believe you're gone. You were a dear friend and I love you! Val and kids, you are in my prayers. He was a great man who loved his family more than anything. May he rest in peace!

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