Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Larry Lovelace Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Lovelace
Roger Beck
September 24, 2011
To Larry's family;
Like so many Larry was part of the Ingersoll family- he persevered thru the good times and the tough times. I worked elbow to elbow with Larry he was one of those guys who was old school and not afraid to work - he was dam good at what he did. I have a lot of good memories about Larry and when he and I had a difference of opinion I made him buy the rounds at the Olympic and things always worked out- Roger Beck
Randy Lovelace
September 22, 2011
In Loving Memory of My Father
We’re gathered here today to remember a man that all of us loved dearly, my Father.
My father was many things to many people. To me, he was a hero.
Who could father 3 children, teaching them to love as he loved, learn as he learned, and work as he worked? My Father could.
Who could step into two additional families, becoming a beloved husband and father, without favoritism or prejudice, directly enriching the lives of 6 new family members? My Father could.
Who could inspire children to face the unknown, to accept reasonable challenges, and to push forward through uncertainty? My Father could.
I have so many memories of my Father to hold as I reflect on my youth. I can remember Dad and I outside with a pinhole box to see a solar eclipse. I can remember us sitting outside, a makeshift campout, as we awaited a lunar eclipse. I remember days when he and I fought the neighbor kids with snowballs after a heavy wet storm.
As I was younger, I remember our Sunday mornings, watching roller derby and wrestling, reading the comics as Dad read the paper. All of us just relaxing, and enjoying the fact that Dad was back from being on the road.
I remember the Day man walked on the moon. Dad and I were working from scaffolding in the living room, putting up insulation and cedar boards for the ceiling. Our only break was to come down, watch those first few steps, and then we went back to work.
I remember nights I was up late writing papers for school (because I would procrastinate just a bit), and Dad would stay up with me, helping my train of thought, helping me find the words that made sense of my ideas. He didn’t go to sleep until I did.
I remember the night the dam broke at the Ledges Golf Course, and our house was flooded. I went upstairs to tell him we had a problem, water was coming in from somewhere! – he and I carried things upstairs for hours, saving all we could as the waters rose.
Who could give all reasonable effort to his career, which allowed him to feel successful as a provider at home for his family? My Father could.
My favorite lesson learned from my Father was exactly that… at a time in life when I was making all the wrong choices, Dad simply said I had to do the best I could at work in order to feel the best I could at home. That simple concept drove me for decades afterwards.
Who could develop personal relationships with customers, and help them learn as they signed off for acceptance of the machine tools they depended upon for the success of their businesses? My Father could.
Who could diagnose machine tools with thousands of signals and commands, finding and correcting the source of problems as he went? My Father could.
Who could look at the inspection results of a machined part, and understand which system on a machine tool caused that problem? My Father could.
Who could demonstrate a level of patience unknown to most people, working with others that don’t understand the things they should, teaching them what they need to know, ensuring their future success? My Father could.
Who could comfortably travel to foreign lands for long periods of time, and learn the culture and language of those with whom he worked? My Father could.
Dad taught me from an early age to understand logic and wiring. As I began work at Ingersoll, he taught me to read schematics, trouble-shooting on the fly without powering up any systems. Dad taught me all I needed to know to become successful writing software as a professional. Even though he never wrote software, the skills I learned from Dad have been with me every day of my professional life.
Who could teach 4 men, my brothers-in-law and me, about construction and maintenance of homes, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural systems? My Father could.
Because of the things I’ve learned from my Father, I’m able to maintain my home without assistance, managing all the systems and appliances on my own. These are skills most children aren’t able to learn from their fathers – I was so fortunate to have Dad as mine.
Who could teach men and children alike to fillet fish well, having them demonstrate and then practice until the skill was mastered? My Father could.
During my first visit to Long Lake, Dad and I went out fishing. When we returned, I had to admit that I had no idea how to fillet a fish. Dad discussed the process with me, then showed me how to proceed. After that, he helped me through a fish, with me doing most of the work. Finally, he had me fillet a fish on my own as he watched my progress. When I was done, he congratulated me, and then suggested that I fillet the rest of the 30 fish we had caught to make sure the skill was well learned. He thoroughly enjoyed eating those fish!
Who could tactfully manage the relationships between multiple families and personalities, creating an atmosphere where everyone could co-exist happily? My Father could.
Because of what I’ve learned about people from my Father, I’ve been able to develop the same skills. I’ve been able to let go of emotion and mediate fairly as others worked through issues.
Who could design 4 homes in his mind, and bring them into existence in this world for all of us to enjoy? My Father could.
Over the course of many years, Dad and I worked on the A-Frame every possible moment that he was home from his road trips. Initially, all I could do was learn the names of the tools he used, and get them as they were needed. Eventually, he began to assign simple tasks to me as I gained proficiency. Finally, I was able to take on complex tasks, and Dad would simply check the final work, knowing that he was teaching me skills I’d use for the rest of my life.
Who could become a certificated airplane pilot, having to demonstrate a proficiency at depth perception, while being blind in one eye? My Father could.
Because of my Father’s interest in aviation, and his drive to learn, I followed a similar path – becoming a licensed pilot, and enjoying some of the same experiences that he did.
Who could rebuild or repair engines, transmissions, brakes and steering systems on vehicles? My Father could.
Who could bring a 1930’s vintage machine tool to the modern age, designing the entire electrical and servo system from start to finish? My Father could.
Who could face a fatal brain cancer, willing to fight it, the only hope being a good quality of life without burdening his family with his care? My Father could.
Because of all my Father was, and because of all he could accomplish, I’ve become who I am now. As I took on challenges, including firefighting and becoming an EMT, I did these things thinking of how proud I could make my Father. I loved his approval, I relished the times that I could see he was proud of me. I only wish I could have expressed properly how proud I was of him and all he had accomplished.
As Dad’s last breath drew near, we were all gathered round. Hoping against hope that there would be yet another breath, that his eyes would open and gaze upon us one last time. Thankfully, his passing was peaceful and dignified – as was the life he led for 73 years.
I don’t believe the cancer won against Dad. I firmly believe that he developed a truce with the cancer. He would fight it no longer, if it would do no more to hurt him. That truce stands.
Who can rest now after a year-long battle with cancer, and a lifetime of success? My Father can.
I ask each of you to remember that the memories you created with my father are not owned by you, they are entrusted to you. Your task is to hold those memories dear, protect them, and share them with others. Share what you’ve learned from my father with others, and my father can continue to live through each of you.
Fred Cassens
September 22, 2011
Warm Summer Sun
Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night.
By Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens)
The Poetry Foundation
September 21, 2011
To Larry's family: Larry and I were in first grade together and continued to be classmates through high school. He was a fine and valued friend. My sympathy to the family. Memories are a lovely thing to have!
Barb Timm Peterson
Danny Burrow
September 21, 2011
I owe a great deal of my success to Larry and Randy. I came to them green and anxious to learn. Larry taught me patience and understanding. Still can't figure out what Randy taught me, but I still use it to this day. God Bless.
September 21, 2011
Lynn & family - I am sorry I cannot be there to celebrate Larry's life. He was a special person and will be missed. He led a good life. My prayers are witrh you in this time of loss. Love, Jerry King
Jude Martin
September 21, 2011
It won't be the same without Lar's input on life, love and how to do things right! My thoughts and love are with all of you...Jude (aka Judi)
September 20, 2011
Randy, Susan, and Julie, we are so sorry to hear of the death of your Dad. We have been keeping up on his fight with his cancer thru Barb and Russ. We remember the good times we had in the Ledges many years ago.
Gerrie and Howard
Paul & Judy Struven
September 20, 2011
Randy, Susan and Julie,
So sorry to hear about Larry. Many years ago we had alot of fun. Our thouhts and prayers are with all of you.
Thelma
September 20, 2011
Without the amazing generosity and hospitality of Larry and Lynn, there would be no Glow Girls. We are all very saddened to lose Larry, and hope you find strength in your many happy memories. (And your special Angel will be there to watch over you!)
September 20, 2011
Jessica and your family, I am sending peace and love your way at this difficult time. I read Larry's obituary and was sincerely inspired by his life.
Your friend and colleague, Laura
Jennifer Schramm
September 20, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
John Stechmann
September 20, 2011
God bless you and your family.
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in Larry Lovelace's name
Memorial Events
for Larry Lovelace
How to support Larry's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Larry Lovelace's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
