LARRY DUANE MCPEAK

LARRY DUANE MCPEAK

     Larry Duane McPeak, 84, of Black River Falls passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at ThedaCare, in Neenah, WI, April 7, 2024. 

     Larry was born in Black River Falls, Feb. 1, 1940, to Robert and Viola (Murphy) McPeak. He was raised in Black River Falls and graduated in 1958. He served in the U.S. Navy as an Electricians Mate, Second Class on the USS Greenfish (SS-351) for four years. From there, he moved to Appleton, WI, where he met and married the love of his life, Carol Mae (Stecker), July 18, 1964. The couple resided in Appleton and were blessed with a daughter, Michelle, and son, Sean. As a family, they enjoyed spending time at the cabin in Pelican Lake, Oneida County, WI, fishing and snowmobiling. After retirement, they spent their winters in Leesburg, FL, where they loved being with their close friends and family. They moved back to Jackson County in 1999. 

     Larry worked as a Lead Customer Service Representative (Engine Drives) at Miller Electric (n/k/a ITW) in Appleton for 30-plus years and retired in 1995. He then opened a welding equipment repair business, Tech Source Alliance, in Appleton with his partner Ray VanAsten, and finally retired in 1999.  

     Larry was a member and past president of Lucky Wheels Motorcycle Club (1966-1971) and member of the Drag-On-Flies Snowmobile Drag Racing Club (1972-1980). He was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending winters in Florida golfing with friends and taking in the sunshine. He especially enjoyed fishing and hunting in Montana with his brother, Jack, and nephew, Rob, and close friends.    

     He was a loving and caring father, grandfather, bother and uncle to the end. He often called loved ones and friends for daily “check-ins.” His final concerns were that his loved ones and close friends were doing well.

     Larry is survived by his daughter, Michelle (Lynn) Bartsch, La Crosse, WI; his son, Sean (Lisa) McPeak, Appleton, WI; and grandchildren Cassondra and James Bartsch and Kyler McPeak; his sisters, Dorothy Rossi and Barbara Woodford, his nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends. 

     Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, in 2014; his parents, Robert and Viola; and two brothers, Jack McPeak and Conrad (Bud) Johnson. 

     A Celebration of Life gathering in Black River Falls will be announced at a later date.