Lawrence "Larry" Poch

It is with great sadness; the family of Larry Poch, 73, announce his passing.  In the comfort of his own home, with his wife and daughters at his side, Larry lost his battle with cancer on Saturday September 29, 2018 at 9:03 am.

Larry was born November 22, 1944 to the late Lawrence and Alice (Nelson) Poch in Antigo.  He graduated from Antigo High School in 1963, joined the Army National Guard in 1964 – 1970 and married Sharon (Swanson) on August 13, 1966 in Hogarty.  Larry was employed by Drott/JI Case for many years before he and his wife opened a woodworking and craft business called Gifts N’ Things from 1981-1996.  In 2005 he graduated from NCTC with a Technical Computer Degree at the age of 60, working at MaraTech International.  He retired at the age of 72.  Retirement wasn’t something Larry was good at, so in order to preserve their marriage, Sharon jokingly stated he should find a part-time job and get out of the house, of which he did and started at County Market in the receiving department.

Larry enjoyed working on the computer, he took solace in yardwork so he constructed a pond in their front yard, he appreciated nature and relished several bucket list vacations he and Sharon were able to take over the last several years.  Larry joined the Town of Texas Lions in Oct of 2011, where he gained the friendship of many special men.  Larry was a real people person and enjoyed spending time with others, he was quick witted and was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to help someone.  He was the ROCK of his family, even if he didn’t agree with something we did – he always had our back.  At times we were mad at him or didn’t even like him very much (that meant he was doing his job), But there was never a minute we didn’t love him.  He is a part of us and therefore will always and forever be here with us.

Survivors include his wife Sharon of 52 years, brother Jerry Poch, sister Joan Nelson, daughters Micki (Todd) Duir, Terri (Todd) Szews, Grandchildren Britney (Ben), Brandon, Dustin, Ryan (Sabrina), Dylan (Alisha) and Tyler, Great-Grandchildren Izzy, Ava Jo and any day now Nolen – Proceeded in death by his parents Lawrence & Alice Poch and In-laws Melvin and Donna Swanson.

Words cannot express the gratitude Larry and his family have for his care team from Aspirus.  Heartfelt thanks and special consideration given to Dr. Bill Nietert, Dr. Harish Ahuja, Dr. Bret Stysly and Dr. Jamie Costa.  The last several weeks were made easier with the support from Aspirus Home Health (Tina) and then Aspirus Hospice Care (Kristy, Amy, Matt, Carla, Haley, Gary & Jennifer) you are extremely special people, we will never forget how passionately you helped us get over the hurdles, assisting in making this journey as peaceful for us as you possibly could.  We would also like to send love and appreciation to our Circle of Love staff (Wendy, Sally, Jaque, Dominique & Rachel) making it possible for our family to spend as much time together as we could these last several months.

Visitation will be held Thursday October 4th from 4 until 6:30pm and then a short service at 6:30 pm at Peterson / Kraemer Funeral Home on 6th St, Wausau.  One of Larry’s final wishes was to find the person who did his mother’s funeral service many years ago – We succeeded, Doug Jones will be officiating – Doug you have a heart of no other, you are thoughtful, kind, considerate and selfless.  Having you officiate this service gave Dad a sense of comfort and peace during the end of his final journey.  It is with great admiration we thank you.