Larry Rassel, age 62 years of Lake Church, Town of Belgium, died early Monday morning, May 30, 2011 at Froedtert Memorial Hospital in Wauwatosa. He was born June 30, 1948 in Port Washington, son of the late Raymond and Margaret Lesch Rassel. On May 18, 1968, he married Susanne Schueller at St. Mary Church in Lake Church. Larry worked as a fabricator for the Ozaukee County Highway Department. He was a member of St. Mary Lake Church, a former member of the Belgium Fire Department, and enjoyed restoring, driving and meeting with fellow hot rod enthusiasts. Spending time with his family and grandchildren was very important to him. He is survived by his wife Sue, his two children Mike (Jenny) Rassel of Lake Church and Amy (Tony) Nice of Cedar Grove, his three grandchildren Luke, Marissa, and Max, his four sisters Karen (Richard) Gonwa of Belgium, Carol Ann (Jim) Arentz of Grafton, Mary Lou (Wayne) Zelinski of Eagle River, and Donna (Ed) Polgar of Port Washington, his brother Bob (Sandy) Rassel of Waubeka, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 3, 7 PM at St. Mary Catholic Church, Lake Church, preceded by family rites at 6:30 PM at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 171 N. Royal Ave., Belgium. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation at the Funeral Home Friday from 3-6:30 PM. Online condolences may be left at wwweernissefuneralhome.com.
Nancy Gigante wrote on Jun 16, 2011:
"I am so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. He was always such an energetic and happy man, always friendly. He had a great sense of humor. My best wishes to Sue and the family."
Tracy Hermann & the Ed Hermann Family wrote on Jun 3, 2011:
"I met Larry years ago at one of the many Cruise Nights at Wayne’s
Drive-In in Cedarburg that I attended with my Dad. I was always excited to see Larry and his big, ear to ear smile each week at
Wayne’s. He was one of the happiest people I’ve ever met, always uplifting and a pleasure to be around. I remember the first time my
Dad took me over to Larry’s house for a tour of his garage. I was only about 12 at the time, but I was amazed to say the least. It was clear how much he loved his hobby of restoring cars. In fact, I had never even heard of a Studebaker until meeting Larry. His love and knowledge of hot rods was amazing and inspiring. Since then, every time I see an old Studebaker I am reminded of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tracy Hermann, and the Ed Hermann Family
Cedarburg, WI"
Scott and Kristal Palubiski wrote on Jun 3, 2011:
"So very saddened by your loss. Larry was more than a friend to Scott and will always be a part of our family. He helped bless our home with Lyli and we will always be grateful. Our prayers are with you all. "
Jeff Van Domelen wrote on Jun 3, 2011:
"Jen and I just heard about Larry's passing. I remember from way back just how much he loved his family. He was most fun loving guy that I have ever met in my entire life. It will no doubt be a difficult stretch but know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I am certain that today will be difficult but be strong and know that you have lots of friends supporting you is so many ways. We wish you all comfort in this difficult time.
Jeff, Jennifer, Jacob, Elyse and Andrew"
Bill Leppla wrote on Jun 3, 2011:
"Larry was not only a great employee to have but he was also a great friend as well. I will think of Larry forever."
Craig Smallish wrote on Jun 3, 2011:
"I had the great pleasure of meeting Larry years ago in Waubeka. His generosity and kind spirit, were both true and plentiful. A man whose eyes alone could express immense happiness – Larry will be greatly missed."
Joanne Schueller Lizotte wrote on Jun 3, 2011:
"So sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you and your family."
Maury Straub wrote on Jun 3, 2011:
"Larry always inspired me with his common sense, kind words and a gracious perspective. A man that was well like by all who knew him and one that will be missed by many. I am a better, richer man, for having known him.
May God bless him and all of his family."
Marcy Wetor Linder wrote on Jun 3, 2011:
"Very sorry to learn of Larry's death at such a young age. He was the son of my first cousin, Margaret Lesch Rassel. One of my children, Kim, was friends with his children when we lived in Belgium."
Debra (Smith) Ruchalski wrote on Jun 2, 2011:
"Larry ~ Such an appreciation for nature, living life and loving life. I pray you are riding the highways of Heaven. Miss you already. Your humor, your strength and your kindness. Give your Uncle Jim and Aunt Peg a big hug for me. We'll catch up later. Love you."
Diana Rehman wrote on Jun 2, 2011:
"I was very saddened to hear of Larry's passing and would like to express my sympathy to his family. Larry was truly a very nice guy would didn't mind going out of his way for others simply for the sake of being kind and helpful. He did just that when I first became interested in photograpy. He would stop over and take a look at my latest photos, offering encurragment and tips. He even spent several Saturday mornings taking us out to the park to take pictures and invited us 4-Hers along when the fire dept. did some of their practice burns. I eventually went to school for photography and am currently in that line of work. I give him a lot of credit for helping me get my start in photography. Thanks for your time Larry!"
Karl Hertz wrote on Jun 2, 2011:
"Dear Rassel family:
Kindly let me express sincere condolences on Larry's passing. I did not know him, but the words expressed at the county board meeting yesterday made it very clear that he was a special man in his personal life and through his creative work for the county.
Please accept my sympathy, and though we are all diminished by losing him, I suspect heaven may get an "upgrade" my having him there.
God bless.
Karl Hertz
Supervisor from Thiensville"
Jim & Mary Johnson wrote on Jun 2, 2011:
"You will be missed but not forgotten.
Thanks for the memories.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim & Mary Johnson"
Mary (Buechler) & Dave Schimberg wrote on Jun 2, 2011:
"Sue and family, I'm sorry for your loss. Larry and I attended eight years of grade school together and our birthdays were four days apart. As a child, he was full of energy and adventure. These two qualities molded him into the man he became - an energetic and adventuresome Grandfather, Father, Brother,Nephew and loving Husband. Take solace in your memories and live your lives like Larry - with a quick smile, and a willing helping hand."
Ed & Sandy Burton wrote on Jun 1, 2011:
"We would like to express our deepest heartfelt sympathy to you during this troubling time, may his memory help you through this and bring you peace. Take comfort in knowing that you now have a special guardian angel to watch over you. God bless you all."
Eleanor Prom wrote on Jun 1, 2011:
"So sorry to hear about Larry's leaving this world, even
though he is in a better place. Larry was always the day
brightener when coming into the office for his income taxes.
He always shared his pride in his wife, chldren and grand children. The stories will always be a fond memory and we will
miss him dearly, althoug he will always be remembered as the
true patriarch of his family. And be certain the heavens will be brighter with him as a shining star above. Know that I care
and I am as close as the phone if you care to call for a chat
or need any help in any way. Sincerest sympathy, "
Susan Runkel wrote on Jun 1, 2011:
"There wasn't a day that went by that Larry didn't touch someones life in a positive way. I will miss him coming into the shop for his usual cranberry walnut muffin, watching his face light up as he spoke of his grand kids and my friend Amy. He enjoyed talking about classic cars as much as I enjoyed listening to the stories. He was a very proud grandfather and it was a pleasure to sit next to during the kids football games. He was always fun and also a very caring person. There just are not enough words to describe the loss you have endured. Please know that your friends are here for you. God Bless. "
Barry Altendorf wrote on Jun 1, 2011:
"I met Larry in 1979, while we were at Simplicity. He intoduced our family to camping, as the Rassel family had a seasonal site at Devil's River
Camper's Park. (Marabel) It was at the same time that Larry and I really got into photography. Both of us sharing ideas, developing film together. I will always remember the friend we had over the
many years. Sue, Mike, Amy, family..... you are in my prayers. I will miss Larry."
Rhonda Kline wrote on May 31, 2011:
"Sue and Family
So sorry to hear about Larry. Our families have very happy memories together. My prayers are with you as you grieve his loss.
Rhonda
Jim & Peg Smith's daughter
Caldwell, ID"
Fritz Koehler wrote on May 31, 2011:
"We will miss you WIDE OPEN LARRY WIDE OPEN"
Jack Morrison wrote on May 31, 2011:
"Larry - I will truly miss you old friend, appreciate all that you showed me and the times we spent together talking cars and boats - till we meet again, farewell."
Greg and Barb Graf wrote on May 31, 2011:
" Larry was one of the nicest people we ever met. Always a kind word and warm smile for everyone.
We always enjoyed visiting with him at carshows.
Our prayers are with his family."
Ryan Tackes wrote on May 31, 2011:
"So many memories of Larry,what a great man. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to know him. My heart goes out to his family, he will be greatly missed. "
Sue Altendorf wrote on May 31, 2011:
"Larry was a wonderful friend and will be greatly missed by our entire family. We will have your family in our prayers."
Tom Meaux wrote on May 31, 2011:
"Larry was an oustanding employee for Ozaukee County. His presence was even greater as a role model for our staff, a wonderful assist to the organization, a mentor for other employees.
I will never forget Larry's kindness years ago to my very young daughter, having her sit in the drivers' seat of a big truck while on a review of our Rescue Boat. Her eyes lit up sufficient to light a Christmas tree.
Larry will be sorely missed but never forgotten. So very sorry about your loss, God bless Larry and his family. "
Jan(Schueller)Gerald Lesch wrote on May 31, 2011:
"Was so sorry to hear of the passing of Larry, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers."
Nicole & Josh Mondloch wrote on May 31, 2011:
"Very sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies to your family."
Jay & Debbie Ralston wrote on May 31, 2011:
"Larry will be missed always, but the 1st Saturday of the month at the car club meeting. He inspired me to appreciate classic cars more than I did. He was kept us smiling even when you were down. Prayers are sent to his wife and family and let the good Lord help them heal through this tough time."
connie(lesch) chappelear wrote on May 31, 2011:
"my prayers and thoughts go to all the family at the passing of larry. may you find strength in the love of Jesus and in each other."
Wayne & Barb Paulus wrote on May 31, 2011:
"We will all feel the loss of this truly great man. Larry always took the time to stop and ask how I was doing and how each of my family members was doing. When he asked, you knew he was really listening. He also had the greatest pride and joy for his family.He was so proud of his kids and all of his grandchildren. Larry was truly the patriarch of his family. I will miss him deeply and think of him often."
Jennie Reynolds Lund wrote on May 31, 2011:
"I was so sad when I heard the news this morning...our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this tough time. Larry was an amazing guy-the most upbeat and positive person I knew! He will be missed by so many, but his love will live on in all he touched!"
Jim/Kim Noeske wrote on May 31, 2011:
"Our Deepest Sympathy To The Family Of Larry Rasssel Kim And I Were Shocked And Saddened To Learn Of Larry's Passing !! May You Find Comfort In Family Friends God And Prayer."
Mark, Mary, Mariah, Morgan, Maycie & Matthew Navis wrote on May 31, 2011:
"Our sympathies, thoughts and prayers to your entire family. He was a truly wonderful man and will be sorely missed. May you find peace in knowing his love will continue to live within you.
"
Sally Bley wrote on May 30, 2011:
"Mike and I were very saddened by the news of Larry's passing this morning. We have been thinking of you all today. Please if there is anything we can do call us. Know that we are thinking of him and your family. We will miss him sooooo much:("
Jennifer Paape wrote on May 30, 2011:
"I was so sorry to hear the passing of Larry this morning, My sympathys are with all of you in this difficult time. May you find peace in all your memories. Jennifer "