Ninth Generation

347. Larry Gene PETH was born on 9 September 1938 in Monroe County, WI.^129,429 He appeared in the census in 1940 in Wilton Township, Monroe County, WI.¹⁵⁰ He died on 24 January 2024 at the age of 85.⁴³⁴ Obituary Notes: "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."

Larry Gene PETH and Marlene Elizabeth GEIER were married on 3 March 1962 in Kenosha, Kenosha County, WI.^429,435 Marlene Elizabeth GEIER, daughter of Basilius Isadore GEIER and Frances A. RONDORF, was born on 19 December 1942 in Wilton, Wilton Township, Monroe County, WI.¹²⁹ She died on 27 January 2022 at the age of 79 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.⁴³⁵ Obituary Notes: "Marlene Elizabeth Peth, 79 of Tomah passed away on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at her home. She was born December 19, 1942, to Basilius and Frances (Rondorf) Geier in Wilton. Marlene was a member of the Wilton High School Graduating Class of 1960.

On March 3, 1962, Marlene was united in marriage to Larry Gene Peth in Kenosha. Early on in their marriage, Larry took employment with American Motors, and they purchased their first home in Kenosha. In 1972, they relocated back to Tomah where they have resided here since.

Along with being a wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker, Marlene was a familiar face behind the checkout line. She was a cashier for Cram’s grocery store, which became D.J.’s, and then later on at Burnstads. She had a knack for remembering the faces that came through her grocery line and found a way to have a quick conversation with anyone. She had an infectious smile and loved to laugh and joke.

When the time was right, Marlene hung up her clerk’s apron and took up her most rewarding and meaningful job: being a grandmother. She was affectionately known as Nana by her grandchildren. Living close to her daughter, Krissy, she was blessed to be the primary daycare for her Bobby and Danny. She was so very proud of all her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved to “brag” about their accomplishments, no matter how big or small. She was so very proud of all of them.

Grabbing coffee at a family or neighbor’s house, catching up on the latest news among the extended family, trips to the casino, grabbing a bite to eat at Culver’s, taking a car ride with Larry, and enjoying crisp fall days were some of Marlene’s favorite things to do. With, 12 siblings and a large extended family, Marlene’s fondness for gathering with family and friends allowed for some of the most memorable times. She was beyond blessed with an overwhelming amount of love.

She is survived by her husband, Larry of Tomah, 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, and a great-grandson, Logan Uhlott. Sisters, Connie Lewis of Texas, Berdella Butzler, and Helen Summerfield both of Sparta, and sisters-in-law, Aleda Moseley of Warrens and Bertha Geier. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, many cousins, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by a son, Todd, siblings and their spouses, Omer (Karen) Geier, Adaline (Raymond) Donskey, Annabella (Leonard) Von Ruden, George (Bonnie) Geier, Isidore Geier, Larry (Myrtle) Geier, Arnold (Mary Ann) Geier, Wilbert Geier, Irma (LaVern) Von Ruden, Carl Lewis, Gerald Butzler, Evan Summerfield, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Darlene and Arlie Jenks, Gene Moseley, DeVere and Shirley Peth, Gary, and Mary Jane Peth.

Due to Covid 19 and According to her wishes, a Celebration of Life gathering will be held at a later date."

Larry Gene PETH and Marlene Elizabeth GEIER had the following children: