Lawrence J. LeBeau

Lawrence (Larry) J. LeBeau
Larry had the "gift of gab." He happily engaged with everyone around him, wanting to learn more about each person. He would ask others about their future endeavors, whether it was their education or career choices, and he especially wanted to know when they planned to get "married" due to his lifelong love with his beloved. He encouraged everyone to follow their dreams.
Larry was born in Nadeau, Michigan, on September 25, 1941. The youngest of six children, he enjoyed helping at his dad's gas station and garage. From an incredibly early age, his family meant everything to him and was always his top priority. The best time of day was coming home to his wife. When he worked shift work and only had one weekend off a month, there was never a question as to where it would be spent. Back to the U.P. to visit parents, siblings and in-laws.
Larry met the love of his life, Jan, at the Escanaba State Fair, and they both attended and graduated from Stephenson High School. Jan & Larry were married on June 30, 1962, and lived in Milwaukee for the first few years. Ultimately, they settled in the Fox Cities for over 55 years. Larry and Jan exemplified what "true love" is. When he was retired, he loved spending every moment with Jan, who he loved "always and forever." He treated everyone as family, there were no in-laws for Larry, just more kids he loved.
Larry retired from Appleton Papers after 35 years of service. Most of that time was spent in the research and development department. Larry was a hard and conscientious worker and passed that quality along to all of his children. He worked hard, but never so hard that he didn't spend quality time with his family each day.
He defied poor health genetics and lived to be 83 years old. He passed on June 5, 2025, with his four children and several grandchildren with him. We were grateful and blessed that he still knew us, despite having Alzheimer's disease.
He loved singing songs, whistling, or playing the saxophone or harmonica. Love songs and Christmas songs were his favorites, especially when a grandson played along on the piano or other instrument. He played cards daily with his wife until her passing, and every family gathering included a card game and comfort food or dessert. Larry correctly predicted the gender of each of his grandchildren and spoiling them was always important. Each person's favorite donut was always present when they woke up, and he and Jan made sure to have any other favorite treat of the grandkids available when they visited.
His four Children survive Larry; Jodi (Pete) Traas, Dan (Julie Coyle) LeBeau, Niki VanCuyk, Kevin (Michelle) LeBeau; Grandchildren: Jackson Traas, Lexy VanCuyk, Raffy Traas, Kylie VanCuyk, Jake LeBeau, Josie LeBeau, and Caden LeBeau; Brother-in-law, Jim Machalk, and many loving relatives. He was greeted in heaven by his precious wife, Jan LeBeau, and there is no doubt they are dancing the Jitterbug. Parents, Fred & Alice LeBeau; Father and Mother-in-law, Lou & Mag Machalk; Siblings: Olive Benson, Lorraine Gunville, Stewart LeBeau, Fred LeBeau & Dick LeBeau; Brother & Sister in-laws: Peter Machalk, Ken Benson, Ray Gunville, Dorothy LeBeau, and Sandy LeBeau and other loving relatives and friends.
The past four years, Larry spent at St. Paul Elder Services Villa & Manor so that he could be with Jan. The family would like to thank the St. Paul Staff, Sister Delores, and fellow residents for the care, compassion, patience, love, and time provided as his Alzheimer's disease progressed. The kindness was nothing less than excellent.
A celebration of life will be held for close family members on July 26, 2025, in the U.P.
Those wishing to donate in honor of Larry, please consider St. Paul Elder Services, Kaukauna, WI, or for a memorial Bench/Swing placed near a favorite water place of Jan & Larry's. Larry followed and continued the LeBeau family tradition of long goodbyes. Today, Tomorrow & Always!
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to the family, please visit our floral store.