Lawrence LaVen

Lawrence Charles "Larry" LaVen, 77, of Cape Girardeau passed away Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

He was born Jan. 28, 1936, in Milwaukee, to Lawrence and Helen Sims LaVen. He and Ellen Obermeyer were married Sept. 14, 1985, in Kinnear, Wyo.

Larry proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953 to 1957.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed playing golf, hunting and fishing. He was a charter member of the Marine Corps League in Hudson, Wyo., and past member of Elks lodges in Riverton, Wyo., and Cape Girardeau. His career included professional, industrial and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Larry had a vibrant personality, was full of humor, and he loved life and all living things. He easily made friendships that lasted a lifetime, and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ellen of Cape Girardeau; his children, Barbara (Tom) Bolitho of Watertown, Wis., Lawrence LaVen of Waupaca, Wis., and Patrick (Rachel) LaVen of Lebanon, Wis.; a brother, Roger (Julie) LaVen of Leesburg, Fla.; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Jane Zillmer of Mercer, Wis.; nieces; nephews; aunts; uncles; other relatives; and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private gathering will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Friday-Truan Marine Corps League Detachment 683, P.O. Box 308, Hudson, WY 82515.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.