Lawrence A. Sharken

Lawrence A. "Larry" Sharken, 91, of Highland Park, IL., died due to an unexpected turn of COVID19 on Monday, December 28. Beloved husband of Suzanne nee Joseph. Loving father of Diane (Arturo) Sharken Taboada, Linda Sharken, David (Verena) Sharken and Judith (Chris) Sharken Simon, Joanne Jaffin. Dear grandfather of Emilia (Oscar) Martín, Corey (Ashley), Arianna (Mauricio)Taboada, Jamie, Mireya, Lilia, Tahlia, Maya and Joseph. Fond great-grandfather of Diego, Natalia, Sophie, and León. Loving uncle, great-uncle, friend and advisor for many. Larry was bigger than life in personality and his overt expression of love for family. His kind booming voice, ubiquitous flannel, characteristic fishing hats and reputation for ordering a gross of everything distinguished his character as a passionate man. He was happiest when he had a big fish on the line, was winning at cribbage, or dancing at family life cycle events. He was a product of his times--for Larry, being the patriarch who provided for his family was paramount. Larry was a whiz with numbers, which he put to use in the family business at Joseph Lumber Company and in his successful 'SLS Investments'. At nearly 16, he was "robbing the cradle" by dating 13 year old Suzy Joseph, whom he married and was a devoted husband to for 68 years. Together they raised four children and then explored the globe as travel partners. Bolo ties were his trademark fashion statement and he responded confidently with "the answer is" in most conversations. His goal was to leave a legacy of love for family and financial security for his children. His family can testify that he did exactly that. The funeral service was held Thursday, December 31. Shiva will be virtual (on ZOOM) on Sunday, January 3, 7 p.m. CST. Please visit Chicago Jewish Funerals, www.cjfinfo.com, for virtual link information. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated to the Frank B. Koller Library https://www.kollerlibrary.org, the North Lakeland Discovery Center, https://discoverycenter.net both in Manitowish Waters, WI or to Family Service of Lake County, Highland Park, Illinois https://www.famservice.org.