Lorin "Larry" Fortier

Lorin "Larry" Fortier, age 80, passed away the morning of May 23, 2025, after a ten-year journey with cancer and eventually Alzheimer's. He passed quietly at home with his children - Rebecca, Billy, and devoted dog Max. Larry is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Sally (nee Gauger), not quite one year before.

Larry was born in Muskegon, Michigan, to Helen and Lorin, oldest brother to Marc, Kristi, Shelly, Nan, and Laurie, brother-in-law to Terry, Lance, and Richard. Cherished by his Gauger family of in-laws, Betty and Vic and a clan of sisters and brothers-in-law. He was a loving uncle of over 40 nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews from both the Fortier and Gauger families. He was a beloved nephew to Donna Jacobson (nee Fortier).

When Larry was in high school, the Fortier's packed up the family and moved to Park Ridge, IL. After high school, Larry entered the US Army where, stationed in Japan, he was a communications specialist. To his last days, he could still find fun remembering various bits of morse code. His devotion to his service and country never left him.

When he returned from the Army, it happened that some of the Fortier and Gauger sisters knew each other and had similar friends, hence the eventual introduction of Larry and Sally and the beginning of their story. From their early days in Mattoon, IL, to their over fifty years in Des Plaines, they shared love for books, games, movies, music, they loved a good road trip, and they cherished their community. That community included South Side Little League, local bowling and tennis leagues, and St. Stephen Catholic Church where they were active in the early days of parish council and, for a time, helping to produce the parish variety shows. While Sally stayed active, Larry cherished this community and the friendships they had developed.

He wore many hats. He was an accountant for a football manufacturer. He was a manager for Radio Shack. In his last ten years before retiring with cancer, he was "Mr. Bus Driver", driving a school bus for middle to high school age students. He could build walls and shelves and rewire any room. He was the chef-extraordinaire, especially known for his Thanksgiving Dinner. But his "Dad" hat kept him the busiest. As their kids grew, Larry never missed a game, a meet, a match, or a show, or a chance to have a catch in the backyard.

He held a great affinity for all books, especially any mystery he could find and all things Harry Potter. His true "happy places" were Walt Disney World and "The Gardens" (Chicago Botanic Gardens). Larry loved to play cards and any game he could. A baseball lover and Cub fan, he loved football and the Bears. Golf, tennis, and horse racing coverage was never missed. He loved movies and TV – of every genre. An avid Star Wars fan from the beginning. He loved maps and a good ride in the car. He loved popcorn and ice cream. He loved fireworks and the music that told his country's story. He loved Nat King Cole to Johnny Cash and would always sing with the Gambler. He loved coffee and a good visit to Starbucks.

In honor of Larry... Lose yourself in a good book. Try a new recipe and share it with those you love. Visit "the Gardens" near you. Have some popcorn. Play cards. And find someone to go out and have a catch.

A Catholic funeral mass will be held Friday, June 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1280 Prospect Ave., Des Plaines, Illinois. A private burial service will immediately follow at Town of Maine Cemetery in Park Ridge. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.