Larry Abrahamson Sr, 71, of Waupaca, WI passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 21, 2023.
Larry was born on June 8th, 1951 to Harvey and Dorothy (Erickson) Abrahamson Sr in Iola, WI. He attended school in Manawa, WI and grew up there, with many fond memories of his Aunt EllaMay and Uncle Donny Erickson’s farm.
In 1972 he took Charleen (Tolsma) Abrahamson on a date to the county fair, and they fell fast in love. Larry and Char were married Nov. 11, 1972, in Waupaca WI. They moved to Brownsville Texas briefly, and eventually settled back in Waupaca to raise their family. Larry worked for Duschek Trucking/Transtar/Ameritruck for over twenty years, wearing many hats but closing his career there as the over the road maintenance supervisor.
Larry’s passion was to reach struggling young people and share the love of Jesus Christ. He devoted many years to youth outreach with Faith Community Church, and was particularly proud of all the teens he mentored through “The Grind” youth group, his tailgate parties at Comet football games, and the Bible studies he and Char hosted in their home for high school students. Larry and Char were also foster parents to many young men, who became family to them.
Larry enjoyed fishing, time spent “Up North” at the camper, connecting with friends over coffee at the Truckstop, and long rides on his Goldwing. True to his “mountain man” spirit he took great interest in black powder rifles and became a collector of them. He spent many hours in the back yard learning and perfecting the hobby of black smithing. He often said that his greatest accomplishment in life was his family, and cherished them beyond measure. When asked what he wanted this tribute to include he simply said “That I was so blessed by the love of my family, and extended family.” His huge smile and jokester spirit will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Larry is survived by his wife of 50 years Charleen (Tolsma) Abrahamson, his children Larry (Jenny) Abrahamson Jr, Matt (Melissa) Abrahamson, Tina (Jeff) Zeidner, and Sarah Abrahamson, grandchildren Caleb, Sam, Nick, Maelyn, Levi, Myles and Wyatt, great grandchildren Olivia and Mackenzie, Brother Rev Harvey Abrahamson Jr, sister Gloria Abrahamson, many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and cherished friends whom he considered family. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers James, Jeffrey, and Gary Abrahamson.
A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at Faith Community Church in Waupaca on Saturday, June 10, 2023 from 2-5 PM. Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences available at www.hollyfuneralhome.com
Larry’s family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Crossroads Care Center of Weyauwega for their kindness, compassion, and incredible care.