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Larry Gustafson Obituary
November 22, 1936 - October 23, 2025
Larry E. Gustafson of Portage, age 88, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital, in Portage, surrounded by his loving family.
Larry was born on November 22, 1936, in Nebraska, the son of Harry and Evelyn (Peterson) Gustafson, and moved to Portage when he was one year old with his family. He graduated from Portage High School in 1955.
On June 21, 1958, Larry married the love of his life, Sandy Roecker, at St. John's Lutheran Church. They led a wonderful life raising their two sons, Jeffrey and Michael. Larry enjoyed traveling and attending Badger Basketball games, as a season ticket holder. He also liked to hunt and enjoyed hanging out with his friends on Tuesday mornings. Larry coached and played fast pitch softball for Service Drug Store. He was a member of the Portage Curling Club and enjoyed curling at various curling clubs. Larry was part of the Portage Boat Club and enjoyed boating on Swan Lake and the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. Larry was a licensed plumber and retired from Schadde Plumbing and Heating in Baraboo after 39 years. Larry was a funny guy with a great sense of humor and soft heart.
Larry is survived by his wife, Sandy; sons, Jeffrey (Lisa) and their sons Timothy (Amber) and their daughter Madalyn, Spencer (Miranda) and their son Harvey; Michael (Marlo) and their son Mitchell; brother, Thomas (Peggy) Gustafson; and by other relatives and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; and his sisters, Marge (Vern) Galli and Shari (William) Goetz.
Our husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend was loved dearly.
Because of Larry's love for animals, donations to the Columbia County Humane Society may be made in his name, in lieu of flowers.
The Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage (www.pmmfh.com), is assisting the family.
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Gustafson
Sponsored by Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home - Portage.
1 Entry
Kathy (Radtke) Jagow
November 1, 2025
My grandfather, Gus Radtke, owned Service Drug in Portage and my dad, Dennis Radtke, worked there as well until opening his own drugstore in Randolph in 1967. I remember spending time with Larry and Sandy and their boys when we lived in Portage from 1961 to 1967. Dennis has dementia and is living at the nursing home in Randolph since Patsy passed away in February of 2024. My deepest sympathies to your family.
Kathy (Radtke) Jagow
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