Larry E. Westphal, 87, of Clintonville, passed away late Friday evening, Jan. 30, 2026, at Greentree Health and Rehabilitation Center, Clintonville.
Larry Emil Westphal was born on the family farm in the Town of Grant on March 2, 1938, to Edwin and Gertrude (Papendorf) Westphal. A natural athlete and standout student at Marion High School, Larry excelled on the baseball field and was an all-conference football player two years in a row.
It was during his school years that he met his sweetheart, Carol Jean Wolfe. The pair, who served as their high school’s prom king and queen, graduated in 1956 and began a beautiful life together that spanned 68 years.
Shortly after graduation, Larry followed a call to service, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Before being stationed in Barstow, California, he and Carol were married on June 30, 1957, at Zion Lutheran Church in Caroline. While in California, Larry served as a general warehouseman, and the couple spent their free time exploring the outdoors through horseback riding and mountain climbing.
Following his honorable discharge in 1958, Larry and Carol returned to Wisconsin, eventually settling back in Clintonville. Larry dedicated 43 years of his professional life to the livestock industry, as a celebrated technician with Badger Breeders (now CRI).
His career was marked by incredible perseverance; after a serious injury required 18 surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, Larry returned to his work with renewed determination. His expertise earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious 100,000 Cow Award and recognition for the highest conception rates in his field.
Larry’s commitment to his community was rooted in his love for sports and his faith. A long-time member of Christus Lutheran Church, he also played for the Marion Meisters and was instrumental in shaping local youth athletics. He helped establish the Clintonville Babe Ruth Baseball league and later shared his passion for the game as a manager for the Clintonville Legion Baseball team alongside Don Jirschele.
In his personal time, Larry was a gifted woodworker, crafting yard ornaments and doll furniture for his beloved grandchildren. He found peace in the outdoors, whether golfing in local leagues for 25 years or fishing at the family’s favorite vacation spot, Lake Gogebic.
Known as a people person who was kind and loving yet tough as nails, Larry lived by a code of strength, duty, and doing what was right. While he was deeply proud of his service as a marine, he remained a humble man whose greatest joy was his family.
Larry is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Carol; sons, Mike (Jo) Westphal and Mark (Theresa) Westphal; grandchildren, Jared Westphal, Jacob Westphal, Jorja (John) Tourville, Jaycie (fiance, Brody Calnin) Westphal, Luke (Kelsey) Westphal, Larry “Max” (Kadie) Westphal, Markiesa (Dwayne) Maloney and Ross (Kaitie) Westphal; great-grandchildren, Reese, Brixley, Magnus, Larry, Delaney, Boaz, Margot; sisters, Rozanne Robenhagen and Dianne McIntyre, special friends and neighbors, Duaine and Pam Seelig.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Richard (Edna) Wolfe; and brothers, Delmar Westphal, and Lynn and Jim Hanson.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at Christus Lutheran Church, Clintonville with the Rev. Brian Crocker officiating.Military honors will be conducted following the service by VFW Post #664, American Legion Post 63 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 63, all of Clintonville.
Visitation will take place on Saturday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Committal and interment will take place at Greenleaf Cemetery, Marion at 1:30 p.m.
The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home, Clintonville, is assisting the Westphal family with the arrangements.
An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.
