Larry Woldt

Larry Woldt - Kaukauna - Age 80, set sail on a lifetime of fishing on Thursday, March 13, 2025, surrounded by friends and family he held close in his heart. He was born on Aug. 25, 1944, in Appleton, to the late Bud and Marion Woldt, prior owners and operators of the Ranch Bar and Triangle Tavern and Restaurant in Kaukauna. On Oct. 15, 1966, Larry married his soulmate, Sharon Dreger, whom he met at age 4 as they played together in the sandbox, and as the story goes, “Larry fed Sharon worms.” From that moment it was love at first sight, in which he and Sharon shared 59 years of marriage and three incredible children. Together, Larry and Sharon shared a lifetime of love and memories that will forever be cherished. Aside from work, Larry was always with Sharon. Upon graduation from Kaukauna High School in 1962, Larry joined the United States Navy as a Communications Specialist, where he proudly served his country through 1965. Larry was well- known in the paper-making industry, working at Thilmany Pulp and Paper for 25 years. Thereafter, Larry gave back to the industry he most loved through sales and service engineering roles with Asten Johnson, Voith and Orr Felt until his “first” retirement in 2006. Larry was driven by troubleshooting industry challenges and finding solutions and connecting with customers. During the years, he and Sharon made many valued friendships which meant the world to them. In fact, Larry could travel to the most remote locations and find someone he knew (only Larry could meet a friend or colleague on a glacier or in the Canadian wilderness while on vacation). From 2020 to 2024, Larry worked part-time at Automotive Supply Company in Kaukauna, delivering parts to auto service providers in the Fox Valley. In 2024, Larry officially “retired” at age 79 to be with Sharon, his “honey doll,” to enjoy life which included playing cards, watching NASCAR, Green Bay Packer and Milwaukee Brewer games, and working in their garden and greenhouse. Between retirements, Larry enjoyed hunting and fishing on Shawano Lake. Larry had a deep love for nature and the outdoors which always accompanied stories about “the one that got away” or “what happens at deer camp stays at deer camp.” No matter what side of the boat Larry sat on, he always caught the biggest fish. Larry also enjoyed stock car races at Wisconsin International Raceway, sporting clay shooting, and attending Green Bay Packer games. When the children were younger, Larry spent summers with the family on Pelican Lake sharing his passion for the outdoors, and hosting Brewer game weekends. And there were the famous Larry “pizza nights.” Larry kept busy and found energy from being with and serving others. Throughout his life, Larry was recognized for his generosity and service — if Larry was needed, he was there. In his younger years, Larry served as a youth baseball coach and hunting mentor. He also supported his faith community as a communion distributor and Octoberfest volunteer at Holy Cross Church. Larry was also a handy man who enjoyed painting and woodworking. As a mentor, it was not unusual to hear him passing life skills to his grandchildren from the garage, in the woods, on the lake or over the telephone. Larry always knew how to ask thought-provoking questions to make both his children and grandchildren think, as he graciously shared his wisdom and life lessons. Larry was incredibly proud of his family and supported the passions and interests of his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandpets – Sampson, Sophie, Stormy, Timber, Trapper, and Winter. Well-traveled across the country, Larry always knew the best places to dine as well as where detours were on the highway. No matter what highway Larry was traveling on during the week, he could always find the fastest route to ensure that he was home Friday evening, because nothing was more important than being with Sharon. The day prior to his passing, Larry said with a smile, “I can see the highway straight ahead.” Larry/Dad/Grandpa, “the highway ahead is clear (no detours or roadblocks), and you are on it going home.” Larry is survived by his beloved wife and caregiver: Sharon; his children: Lisa Stevens, Stacey Woldt, and Aaron (Tammy) Woldt; three grandchildren: Spencer Stevens, and Noah and Morgan Woldt. Larry was preceded in death by his parents: Bud and Marion Woldt; two siblings; and Sharon’s parents: Floyd and Ethel Dreger. A celebration of Larry’s life will be held Tuesday, March 25, at 11 a.m., at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 309 Desnoyer St. in Kaukauna, with Fr. Luke Ferris officiating. Inturment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. Online condolences can be offered at Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home at www.verkuilenfh.com. A special thank you to Larry’s team of dedicated and compassionate caretakers, Dr. Michael Werner and the Primary Care Physicians staff; Dr. Eric Lawatsch, Dr. Harsha Poola, and Dr. Atif Quershi. In addition, Larry’s family extends much gratitude to the many friends who continue to provide support and kindness — Kathy Ashauer, Stan and Helen Dercks, Jay Frassetto, John and Peg McEwen, Ellen Scheibe, and Mary and Joe Van Handel; and the Oviatt and Lawe Street neighbors. Larry concluded every conversation with his family with a bear hug and an “I love you; text me when you get home safely.” And so we in kind say, “We love you Larry/Dad/Grandpa and are glad that you are safely home.”

Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, 101 Canal St., Little Chute, WI 54140, 920-788-3321, www.verkuilenfh.com