Larry Vegter

Larry L. Vegter, 79, of Delavan and Menasha, Wisconsin, passed away leaving behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, and deep connections to family and friends.

Larry was known for his sharp wit and unforgettable sense of humor, especially his quick one-liners that could catch anyone off guard and leave them smiling. In his younger years, his brother Dale fondly described that Larry spent more time out of school than in school- he was a rebellious spirit who wasn’t afraid to skip class and live life on his own terms.

That same spirit carried into his service to his Country. Larry proudly served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps in 1968. After returning home, he embraced life fully—purchasing a Road Runner and drag racing along Snake Road outside of Lake Geneva, a time he often looked back on with pride and excitement.

Larry had a deep love for sports, the outdoors, and above all, his family. He was an avid golfer, a devoted fan of stock car racing, and an enthusiastic fisherman. Whether it was a quiet local spot or waters far from home, Larry believed any place with water was worth casting a line. He was also a passionate Wisconsin sports fan—an avid supporter of the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed attending minor league baseball games as well, especially cheering on the Beloit Snappers and the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, where he appreciated the game and the atmosphere alike. True to his bold personality, Larry had a well-known dislike for snakes and wouldn’t hesitate to clear one off the golf course, often turning even that into a story worth telling.

Above all, Larry was a devoted family man who deeply loved his children and grandchildren. He took pride in his family and cherished the time spent together, creating memories that will be held close for generations.

In 1992, Larry met his current wife, Patsy, in Delavan, where their story together began. Patsy was working as a shift supervisor at Hardee’s, and Larry became a familiar face as the first customer there every morning, faithfully ordering a large decaf coffee. In a moment that would become a favorite family story, Larry passed Patsy a note through the drive-through asking if he could take her out. The next day, Patsy returned a note of her own with a simple but meaningful answer: “yes.” From that point on, their lives were intertwined. Eventually, the pull of family brought Larry and Patsy back to the Fox Valley, where they continued building their life surrounded by loved ones and members of First United Methodist Church of Neenah/Menasha.

Larry will be remembered for his humor, his adventurous spirit, his love of family, and the way he lived life unapologetically. His memory will live on in the stories shared, the laughs remembered, and the lives he touched.

He is survived by his wife, Patsy Vegter; his children Andrew (Kathleen) Vegter and Stephanie (David) Hediger and their mother Bonita Sisk; his step-children: Jennifer (Ed) Hammen, Carrie (Mike) Becker, and James (Ashley) Longo; grandchildren: Caroline, Juliette, Abbie, and Elaine; step-grandchildren: Teagan, Tatum, Trayden, Johnathan, Allen, Declan, Dafydd; great-granddaughter: Emberlynn; siblings: Dale (Carol) Vegter, Debbie Sullivan, Beverly Westbrook.

He is preceded in death by his parents Peter and Dorothy Vegter, sister-in-law Sandy and brother-in-law Tim.

A funeral service will be held Friday May 8th at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist, 108 W Doty Ave, Neenah, WI 54956. A visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the time of service. Following the service, a meal will be served for friends and family to share memories.

Donations can be made in Larry’s name to The Parkinson’s Foundation.