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Larry Kaluzna Obituary
Larry Kaluzna, age 54, Founder of Waterware, Owner of Universal Plumbing and Heating Supply, both currently under the direction of his son, Jeremy; adored husband and high school sweetheart of Andee nee Mendkoff; loving father and mentor of Jeremy, Myles and Carly; devoted son of the late Harold and Audrey; treasured stepson of Barbara; fond brother-in-law of Mike Mendkoff; cherished stepbrother of Marla (Roger) Landolt and Lynne (Jim) Kirker; dear uncle of Jordan, Eric (fiancée Elizabeth) and Claudine. The "King of Plumbing" will be dearly missed by his countless friends and colleagues. Larry was loved and respected by all, because of his unique sense of humor and integrity. Service Friday, 10 a.m. at Congregation Bnai Torah, 2789 Oak St., Highland Park. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Cancer Wellness Center, 215 Revere Dr., Northbrook, IL 60062 or Chabad University of Illinois, 509 S. 4th St., Champaign, IL 61820. Info The Goldman Funeral Group, Irwin Goldman Director (847) 478-1600. 
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Kaluzna
60 Entries
Michael Froman
August 13, 2010
Andee and family; We hope and pray that you will find the strength to see youselves through this profoundly awful time. From these comments and the little things you've mentioned over time, Larry was an exemplar of courage and love of family. That he was called a "mentor" to his children speaks volumes in the most positive ways.
May his life, love and memory always be blessings to you.
Gloria and Michael Froman
Scott Sutker
August 13, 2010
The Kaluzna Family
I am heartbroken over your loss. Larry was a great man and an inspiration to those who knew him.
I am happy to have known and worked with him.
Scott Sutker
Tom Higgins
August 12, 2010
Andee,
I am sorry to hear of Larry's passing. He was a great guy.
Love,
Tom Higgins
Dale Greene
August 5, 2010
Dear Andee, Jeremy, Myles, and Carly,
Steve and I are saddened to hear about the loss of Larry, Adored husband and Father. We hold you in our thoughts and prayers, and wish you strength through this most difficult time.
Love, Dale and Steve Greene
Timothy Murphy
August 3, 2010
Dear Kaluzna Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy's for your loss.
It certainly is the industry's loss also as Larry was a leader and a teacher to many who had the privilege to know him.
I consider myself lucky to be one of those people. His humor always was one notch above what anyone else could ever dream up, his giving back to the industry he cared about is a testimony to his character.
My hearfelt condolences go out to you.
Eric Russo
August 2, 2010
Andee, Jeremy, Myles, and Carly,
It was a honor to know Larry throughout the years. It was great time when I was able to make it to a Kaluzna family dinner. Larry's humor was always appreciated and will be missed. My condolences....
Nan Fine
August 2, 2010
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Andee & Family, may you find comfort in your memories.
Nan (Chemers) Fine & Marc Fine
Pat Jarvis
August 2, 2010
Larry was a king in the plumbing industry & will be missed greatly. With his unique wit & humor he was always able to make people smile. I’m extremely thankful for getting a chance to know and spend time with him. His family will remain in my prayers!
Sofiya Bektemirova
August 2, 2010
Dear Andee,Jeremy,Miles and Carly
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.It was an honor to know Larry.
Debbie Miller
August 1, 2010
Often it was a look, a snicker, a roll of the eyes, or a comment no one knew how to respond to. It was always the presence of Larry that lightened any moment up! Thank you for sharing a small part of your life with me, with the Association, and with our entire industry! You will be deeply missed and I offer my heartfelt condolences to your family.
August 1, 2010
Dear Andee,
You and your family are in my thoughts and
prayers.
Love,
Myra (CT)
Jeff & Kim Valles
August 1, 2010
Dear Andee, Jeremy, Myles, and Carly-
Thank you so much for sharing your cherished memories with all of us at Larry's memorial service. Everyone of us could feel the love and humor of your beloved husband and father. You helped us to smile through the tears. He must be so, so proud of you all.
We will miss him and treasure his memory, always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barry Goldberg
July 31, 2010
The Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Industry is without one of its leaders. All of us thank you Larry for sharing your wisdom, insight and of course your unique humor. You were always there for us and you will be missed across the country.
Rest in peace Larry, and my heart felt condolences to the Kaluzna family.
Ziggy Kulig
July 31, 2010
In loving memory of a wonderful guy. We will love you and miss you always. Your "handbag" joke, somehow has been stuck with me forever... Rest in peace, Larry....
George Moore
July 30, 2010
I knew Larry in High school and played baseball with him! He was a wonderful and funny guy. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Jessica Lewit
July 30, 2010
With this candle I hold you and your loved ones in my heart and prayers. May this light embrace you, warm you, protect you and guide you through this time of loss.
With deepest sympathy,
Tony Carter
July 30, 2010
There is a hole in this world that can never be filled. Larry’s great sense of humor and tremendous insights were gifts to behold. The Kaluzna family is in our thoughts and hearts.
mark harris
July 30, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kevin Madsen
July 30, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to Larry's family and friends. His wonderful sense of humor made many laugh while his honest and sincere demeanor earned their respect and trust. I will miss him.
July 30, 2010
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE KALUZNA FAMILY AND THE WATERWARE FAMILY. LARRY WAS A GREAT GUY AND WILL BE TRULY MISSED. OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU ALL.
HALLIE CHANDLER/McELROY PLUMBING INC.
Barbara Wick
July 30, 2010
Dear Andee,
The splendid impact that Larry had on others and his family, and his extraordinary character are evident in these condolence notes and in the many stories told this morning at Bnai Torah. What strength you and your children show. That is a reflection of the strength of your family bonding and of your relationship with Larry. I am so sorry that he had to leave you.
We are sending you heartfelt thoughts and prayers, wishes for comfort and acceptance, and a multitude of hugs.
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Barbara
Hélène Bourgault
July 30, 2010
My heartfelt sympathy to his dear family, his loss equals the greatness of this man. Doing business with this special person has been an invaluable experience. Strong words qualified him: strength, integrity, honesty and not the least, a great sense of humor.
One of the brightness Star in the industry, he will be missed by everyone and forever present in our thoughts.
Hélène Bourgault, Montreal Quebec
Josef Moskovic
July 30, 2010
Larry will be missed, but never forgotten!
Josef Moskovic
July 30, 2010
Larry will be missed, but never forgotten.
Tina McCoppin
July 30, 2010
As long-time beloved friends of my sister, I would see Larry & Andee once a year over the winter holidays, at The Cubbie Bear in Wheeling, IL. Larry was remarkable for his dry wit and delivery, accompanied by a twinkle of the eye and ready laugh. The bond of love, affection and closeness between Larry and Andee was evident. May those wonderful years and memories bring comfort to the Kaluzna family.
Stuart Fishman
July 30, 2010
Andee, Jeremy, Myles and Carly. We are so sorry for your loss. May Larry rest in peace. He will be missed.
Marty Magida
July 30, 2010
Andee,
So sorry to hear about Larry's passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Debbie Elkes
July 30, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
July 30, 2010
To all in the Kaluzna-Waterware-Universal families,
Please accept our condolences at this difficult time.
Larry will be missed. His insight and support were always appreciated. When you combine that with his level of integrity and fairness ... it was a combo that few ever match.
Godspeed Larry.
Jim & Marty
Norman Mechanical
Michael Del Priore
July 30, 2010
What can be added to this man's life. I have had the pleasure of knowing Larry for twenty plus years. We did business together and dined together. His humor was second to none. His ethics were among the highest I have ever known. You will be missed my friend. Thank you for the years.
Rest now you deserve it.
Jim Van Landingham
July 30, 2010
The few times I met him, Larry was always pleasant. Peace to you Larry and solace to your family.
Paul Arenson
July 30, 2010
Andee, so sorry to hear about Larry, my condolences to you and your family.
Jeff Heksh
July 30, 2010
My heart goes out to Larry's family at this sad time. His friendship and professional advice were very meaningful to me and he will be greatly missed.
Chip Davies
July 29, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Debbie Tickman
July 29, 2010
I am deeply saddened to learn of Larry's passing. He is out of pain. My heart is heavy and with you all.
Russ Diamond and family
July 29, 2010
We have lost one of the treasures of our industry. Always insightful and opionated, Larry's quick wit and humorous sarcasm will be missed. The 2008 HG Barcelona trip was great fun. I appreciated the words of encouragement Larry and Andee gave to my daughter Cori. The Kaluzna family is in our thoughts, prayers and hearts at this difficult time.
July 29, 2010
Dear Andee, Jeremy, Myles & Carly:
We were so saddened to hear of Larry's passing. It seems like yesterday when the four of us were together in the mid-80's. We also remember many fun times with you and Larry and the kids.
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Ellen, John, Greg & Doug Elson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Sheri & Sigi Offenbach
July 29, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
John and Pam Pusateri
July 29, 2010
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Larry was a wonderful person and friend. He will be missed and in our prayers always.
Louis & Laura Rohl
July 29, 2010
The industry and community have lost an icon. Larry was one of a kind, a dear friend and cherished customer. Our thoughts and prayers are with Andee, Jeremy, Myles and Carly.
John Weinstein
July 29, 2010
My sincerest condolences to Larry's family and friends. Since meeting Larry nearly 10 or 12 years ago he left an indelible mark in my heart for him. How he enjoyed making people laugh! I still recall our first evening together at Chops in Chicago when he was being honored by Hansgrohe as Customer of the year. We all had such a good time and Larry only amplified that evening. I will truly miss him and know this is shared by so many.
July 29, 2010
Dear Andee:
How sad for you and your family. Larry was a grand person, with a great smile, and a successful and creative business leader. It seems like just a short time ago when Harold came to say goodbye, and tell me how he was blessed to have a wonderful son, and a wonderful daughter-in-law, and three devoted grandchildren, among his blessings. And now Larry is gone too. May you cherish Larry's memory, and in time have mitzvahs and happiness from your children. My deepest sympathy and condolences. Marc Grayson, South Central Bank, Chicago.
Stephen LaMachia
July 29, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during this difficult time. Unfortunately for me, my introduction to Larry is only is few years old. His candor, wit and knowledge made me wish I had met him sooner. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have made his acquaintance. He will never be replaced and will be sorely missed.
July 29, 2010
Larry will be missed by all his friends in the industry. His unique personality and sense of humor made every transaction special. He was my mentor and my friend for many years. Marla and Ralph Richardson
Jamie Gregg
July 29, 2010
Joanne and I send our heartfelt condolences to Larry's family. Larry was a true gentleman and a delight to be around. His irreverent sense of humor was priceless and refreshing in its unwillingness to be impressed with people who were impressed with themselves.
July 29, 2010
Dear Andee, Jeremy, Myles and Carly
I'm heartbroken over Larry's death. I always liked Larry and enjoyed being around him. I look back fondly over our many dinners together. He was a great business man - tough but fair and his word was his bond. I know he loved all of you dearly from our “mutual family” conversations over dinner as we shared tales of raising children, marriage and the state of the world in general.
Kim and I will keep all of you in our prayers
Jay & Kim Beaumont
Jane Levy
July 29, 2010
I was saddened beyond belief to hear of Larry's passing. He was a special person with a great sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
July 29, 2010
Our sincere condolences to Larry's family. We had worked with him in the past and he was a true gentleman and a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob & Courtney Vollmer
Chicago
(formerly of B & C Custom Hardware & Bath)
July 29, 2010
We at Blutter Shiff Design Associates are SOOOO saddened to hear of this loss. Larry was the most loveable, caring and honest person we knew in the Industry. He always was there for us, even the smallest question or concern......
Our hearts go out to his friends and family.
We were all fortunate to have him in our lives.
With loving memories,
Janet Blutter Shiff
Lisa Kendziorski Amy Linder
July 29, 2010
Larry was an amazing man, he always made us laugh. I just saw him at KBIS(April) and though he looked fragile he still stood up off his chair and gave me a big smile and hug. Amy and I will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to His Family and extended family (employees) through this difficult time.
Tom Greenhaw
July 29, 2010
Jeremy and Family - our sincere condolences to all of you for the loss of such a special family member. Our prayers are with you. Tom, Sally and Beth Greenhaw
Rebecca Whiteleather
July 29, 2010
Larry was such a delightful, humorous mentor to Bruce and I. We can't begin to say how much he will be missed.
July 29, 2010
The 3 Stooge's now have a 4th with them in heaven. We have lost a good friend. My condolences to the family. Jeremy, you will have some big shoes to fill!!
Marlene (Mickie) Scibelli
July 29, 2010
Dear family of Larry,
We are so saddened to learn of Larry's untimely death! He was so young, so kind and caring. I last saw him at my brother, Chuck Lask's funeral reception. He looked for me specificly and found me among the many attendees. He wanted to pay his respects. We spoke of his mother, Audrey, who was my first cousin, and who had
passed away a few years ago. I later sent him a video taken at our cousin, Gloria's wedding in 1948. Audrey and I were both bridesmaids at age 16. I hope he enjoyed seeing his mother in her youth. She was so pretty!
We send you all our heartfelf condolences and will think of you on Friday when you lay a very good man to rest.
Sincerely, Cousins Marlene Lask Scibelli and Michael Scibelli
Lisa Moss
July 29, 2010
Andee,Jeremy,Myles and Carly: I watched as Larry grew from a wonderful boyfriend, to a loving husband, to an adoring father. All of which culminated into a much admired family man. You were blessed to feel his love and I feel blessed to have been able to witness his affection for you during the years. He will be dearly missed but forever in your hearts!!
I love you!
Sarah Jenkinson
July 29, 2010
Larry:
you will be missed, larger than life and yet always thoughtful.
Hugs to your familly.
July 29, 2010
What a guy. He will be sorely missed.
Chris Douglas
July 29, 2010
My condolences to your family at this very difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
July 29, 2010
We sincerely extend our thoughts and prayers of support to the dear family of Larry.
Sherry Sharp
July 29, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family as you mourn the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort in his memory. The Sharp Family
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