WILTON - Larry Gene Peth, born to Arthur and Helen (Sonnenburg) Peth in Wilton, on September 9, 1938, peacefully passed away on January 24, 2024. On March 3, 1962, Larry entered into a lifelong marriage with Marlene E. Geier (of Wilton) in Kenosha, WI. Inseparable for 60 years, Larry and Marlene shared an enduring and true love. After Marlene’s passing, Larry often reflected upon and cherished their love story, which spanned over six decades.
Larry is a member of the Wilton High School’s Graduation Class of 1956. During high school, Larry worked for Ranney’s Dairy. At the age of 17 Larry joined the U.S. Army, where he was later honorably discharged due to an injury sustained in service. Larry returned home and worked as a landscaper before deciding to move to Kenosha, WI to work many roles at American Motors (collecting scrap metal around the plant being his favorite). Shortly after moving to Kenosha, Larry married Marlene and they bought their first house together. During their time in Kenosha, Larry started a landscaping business (alongside his employment at American Motors) and welcomed home his and Marlene’s 3 children: Todd, Kelli, and Kristine. In 1972, they relocated to Tomah where he has resided since.
Larry was loved and well known in the Tomah Community for always looking out for and helping others. Larry is most notably known for bowling and pitching softball on local leagues for over 40 years, carpentry, fishing, hunting, and befriending almost anyone. Larry worked at Sorenson’s Lumber, the Holiday Inn, and Mega Foods.
After retiring from Mega Foods, Larry began the activity he was most proud of; helping raise his grandchildren. Affectionately known as “Ba” to his young grandchildren, him and Marlene were together known as Ba Nana (Marlene being Nana). Ba Nana took pride in being grandparents, from always picking “their boys” up at school to babysitting and teaching them how to fish, woodwork, puzzle, garden, and so much more. Bobby and Danny had the privilege of growing up next door to their Ba Nana. Larry and Marlene loved whenever their two granddaughters could come to visit, and always looked forward to summer breaks from school where they could stay longer. Larry will always be his grandchildren’s biggest hero and most steadfast supporter.
He is survived by his children, Kelli (Rob) Mabry of Pocahontas, VA, and Krissy (Bob) Darlington of Tomah. Grandchildren, Bobby (Amber) Darlington and Danny (Ryan) Darlington of Tomah, Chelsea (Mark) Uhlott of Penfield, IL, Trisha Peth of Platteville, great-grandsons, Logan Uhlott, Enbyr and Eldyn Smethhurst and sister Aleda Mosley. His sisters-in-law Berdella Butzler, Helen Sommerfield, Connie Lewis, and Bertha Geier. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, many cousins, other relatives, friends, and his unlikely companion and cat, Eleanor.
He was preceded in death by his wife Marlene, a son Todd, parents Arthur and Helen, Geier in-laws, and siblings and their spouses, Darlene and Arlie Jenks, Gene Moseley, DeVere and Shirley Peth, Gary and Mary Jane Peth.
According to his wishes a no formal services will held at this time. Burial will be at a later date in Oak Grove Cemetery with military honors. Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
