Larry E. Jeidy, age 88, of Fennimore, WI passed away peacefully on Friday July 9, 2021 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg with his family by his side.
Larry was born April 27, 1933 on a farm in Little Grant Township, in southwestern Wisconsin. He attended grade school in Little Grant Township and graduated from Bloomington High School. He farmed with his father, Oscar, in Little Grant until he married his wife, Carol Noble. They farmed together in Bloomington, Mt. Ida, and Lancaster. They finally settled on a farm at the edge of Fennimore.
Larry and Carol are proud citizens of their community, and they believed that the strength of rural towns is their people. The City of Fennimore approached Larry and Carol because they needed a way to expand. They sold their home farm to the City of Fennimore for the benefit of community development. Currently, Southwest Technical College, CESA 3, and Spectrum Brands (Rayovac) are among the organizations that are in place because of Larry’s foresight and community spirit. Larry also supported area sports organizations and was a founding member of the Fennimore Sports Booster Club. He also was an active member of the Fennimore Lions Club. He was a salesman for Pioneer Seeds for 37 years and Served on its Executive Board. Larry also continued to serve the community well into his later years. He was an ardent supporter of the schools and endorsed the latest school tax referendum for the expansion and remodeling of the local schools. He volunteered for the Railroad Museum in Fennimore, and enjoyed attending church at the Fennimore United Methodist Church. He really appreciated the sermons that “Pastor Bud” gave.
He was an avid sportsman himself, and played softball, baseball, and basketball. Larry and his partner also won the Hickory Golf Course League Championship twice; when the last victory in 2017 occurred, the two partners’ combined age was over 160! He was particularly proud that he was able to play softball into his late 40’s, and he last took the field with his three sons on the same championship team. He encouraged his children and grandchildren to participate in sports, music, and theatre, and rarely missed their performances. He was an avid fan of the Wisconsin Badgers, and has an overflowing closet of red and white apparel. He was very proud of his family’s success, and looked forward to the induction of his son Ron into the University of Wisconsin-Madison Sports Hall of Fame in September for his excellence on the wrestling mat.
Larry also nurtured the land, and shared the beautiful roses that he grew with loved ones. He loved the land and the sun, and was awestruck by God’s handiwork.
No one was a stranger for long when Larry was around. He would be sure to welcome new people to the community, and he introduced himself to complete strangers all around the world. His quick wit and kindness were on display for all. Larry shared his immense ability to love with little regard to the length of time he knew someone. He appreciated the love and extreme kindness of his neighbors. They looked out for Larry and lent a helping hand when he could no longer do things on his own.
Larry worked hard to overcome limited resources when they started farming. He was an excellent provider and protector for his family. He taught his family the value of hard work, and he was endlessly gentle and patient with his children and they learned his ways. He insisted on a standard of excellence and integrity in all things. He imparted his faith in God to his children in all that he did. He was a loving husband, and he adored his wife Carol. She was the love of his life, and their marriage was built upon a foundation of faith, trust, and mutual respect. Their marriage endured the hardships of starting a farm, raising a family, and was forged and tempered through their struggles together. Their marriage is an ageless example of selfless love.
Larry is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Carol, who lives in Fennimore, WI; his son, Wayne (Martha) of Pickett, WI; son, Ron (Gail) of Portland, OR; daughter, Cinda (Dennis) Bendorf of Adamstown, MD; daughter, Karen (Dave) Hanson of Oregon, WI; and son, Scott (Pam) of Sun Prairie, WI. Brazilian Foreign Exchange Student Ruy (Sonia) Alves de Campos.
Grandchildren: Laura Phoenix, Lisa (Josh) Knapp, Mattie Jeidy (Trevor von Arx), Ally Jeidy, Robert Curtis, Amanda Stampfli, Adam Walker, Brock (Carlene) Walker, Chelsey (Dallas) Meachum, Matt (Danielle) Bendorf, Julia (Joey) Allen, Stephanie Bendorf (Alex Mehedintu), Kari (Ryan) McGrath, Kelly (Joel) Yaeger, Alexandra (TJ) Koch, Collin Jeidy (Zoe Hodges), Morgan Jeidy (Mike Salli), Pedro Alves de de Campos.
Great Grandchildren: Wendy and Wyatt Knapp, Gavin and Dean Walker, Olivia Yaeger, and unborn Baby Meachum. Iara Alves de Campos Vervloet.
Sisters-in-Law are Elsie Noble, Wilma Noble, Marilyn Noble, and numerous extended family members.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Carol’s parents, his sister, and numerous beloved in-laws.
Larry’s family would like to extend their gratitude to his Care Team at The Carbone Cancer Center at UWHealth for helping him to enjoy the years since his lung cancer diagnosis. They were also touched by the amazing staff at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg. The care that he received there was exemplary, and the grace they extended eased our grief at his passing.
Family and friends are warmly invited to Celebrate Larry’s Life and join us. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday July 16, 2021 at the Fennimore United Methodist Church with burial to follow in the Prairie Cemetery in Fennimore. A luncheon for family and friends will immediately follow in the church hall. Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 P.M. on Thursday July 15, 2021 at the Fennimore United Methodist Church and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Friday morning. The Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore is assisting the family.