Lawrence “Larry” D. Fierke
1957-2024
Lawrence “Larry” D. Fierke, 67, of Stetsonville, passed away on Friday, June 7, 2024 at UW Hospital in Madison, surrounded by his wife and daughters. Larry was born Jan. 31, 1957 to Donald and Helen (Kleparski) Fierke in Marshfield. He was the oldest of four brothers and grew up on the family farm in Stetsonville. He attended Medford area schools and graduated from Medford Senior High. He worked for Marlin Krause driving milk truck and Al Beyer as an over the road truck driver. He then worked at Prochnow Transport for 43 years, where he drove truck for three years, then as a diesel mechanic, and most recently was their service manager until he retired.
He married Deb Retterath on April 13, 1985 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Stetsonville. They lived in Stetsonville, raising their three daughters there.
Larry is most proud of his strong, intelligent, and successful daughters. Each one with a different talent and personality. He was a man of few words, but was able to speak with each one before passing to let them know he loved them very much. He also loved being Grandpa to Billy, Joey and Patrick.
Larry had a passion for helping people and lightening the load of others. During his long career as shop mechanic and service manager, he worked tirelessly to make sure the truck drivers had the best opportunity to be home with their families. When someone needed help in the family, he was always right there offering his skilled hands, endless energy and persistence. His final service to others was being an organ donor. He was able to donate his corneas so others could have a chance to see.
Larry enjoyed tinkering in his garage, rebuilding vehicles, motorcycle rides, fishing, and cheering for the Green Bay Packers. He mastered the art of grilling, providing many flavorful meals for our family gatherings.
Larry is survived by his wife of 39 years, Deb; daughters, Connie (Caryn), Kristi (Pat) Dixon, and Kelsey (Greg); grandsons, Billy, Joey, and Patrick Dixon; mother, Helen Fierke; mother-in-law, Kathy Retterath; brothers, Jim (Doreen), Bob (Brenda), and Dave (Tonia); in-laws, Vicki & Lee Waldhart, Jane & Dale Oldenhoff, and Tim & Stacy Retterath. Larry is further survived by nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Stetsonville, where he was also an usher and served on the Parish Council.
Larry was preceded in death by his father, Don Fierke and father-in-law Joe Retterath.
Visitation will be held from noon to time of mass at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Stetsonville. Interment will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in the Town of Little Black.
Larry’s family wishes to thank Marshfield Clinic and the staff at UW Health in Madison for the honest and compassionate care he received.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Larry’s name may be given to the family for use at a later date.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.
Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.
Paid Obituary 153984
