Larry W Marchel

Larry W. Marchel, born on February 24, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, passed away on April 3, 2026, in Wilmot, Wisconsin. Larry’s life was a masterclass in craftsmanship—built with love, hard work, and high-spirited adventures, creating a legacy of joy that will continue to deeply touch those who knew and loved him.

Larry found his greatest happiness in the warmth of family and the quiet beauty of nature. On May 4, 1974, he married his beloved wife, Wendy Farnsworth, in Ingleside, Illinois—beginning a union that grew into an unbreakable foundation of strength and companionship. Together, they built a life centered around those they loved and cherished moments at their cabin in St. Germain, Wisconsin, embracing the laughter and peaceful rhythms of "Up North" living. Over their nearly 52 years of marriage, Larry’s adoration for Wendy never wavered; his profound devotion was unmistakable to everyone who knew them, remaining just as strong on his final day as it was the moment they first met.

The Early Years: Family, Football, and Friends

Raised in Palatine, Illinois, Larry grew up surrounded by the love of his parents, siblings and an especially close-knit extended family. He shared a childhood filled with love and constant laughter with his siblings—Lynda, Lauren, and Lon—though, in true Larry fashion, that laughter was often at their expense. It was during these early years, spent on weekends at "the cottage" on Bluff Lake, that his lifelong passion for lake life first took root.

A proud graduate of Palatine High School, Larry excelled in football, earning a lasting legacy as part of the team inducted into the High School Hall of Fame in 2024. Beyond the field, the friendships Larry forged in high school remained, he found great joy in meeting and speaking with them regularly until his passing.

Larry dedicated decades of his career to Darwin Realty in Elmhurst, Illinois, serving as the Director of Construction. To him, Darwin wasn't just a workplace; it was his second home. He deeply cherished his "Darwin family," working alongside his closest friends. His office was an open door—a space filled with novelties and conversation starters where anyone could stop by for candy, a classic "dad joke," or a playful prank.

His career prior to Darwin was marked by unique assignments, including the complex task of remodeling the vehicle President Kennedy was riding in on that fateful day in Dallas. It remained one of his most cherished accomplishments, a story he took immense pride in sharing.

The Legacy of "Lar"

The Beginning of Always

Larry’s life changed forever in 1972 when he met the love of his life, Wendy, at Wilmot Mountain. It was, as he often told anyone who would listen, love at first sight; he knew from that very first moment she was "the one." They married in 1974 and began their journey together at Bluff Lake, where they spent their early years embracing every season. Whether they were water skiing, fishing, racing sail boats and hobie cats, or snow skiing through the winter, they were always surrounded by a close-knit circle of friends.

The Master Craftsman

An avid woodworker, Larry’s hands crafted more than just objects; they built the backdrop for a lifetime of memories. This passion was a gift passed down from his beloved Uncle Axel (“Unc”), and for Larry, it was more than a hobby—it was a language of care and creativity. He possessed both the patience for fine detail and the skill to bring any vision to life.

Whether it was his house, garage, or cabin, Larry built everything on a grand scale, driven by his dedication to craftsmanship. This same ambition took to the water when he and his friend, John Steitz, decided to engineer a literal water-faring aircraft carrier—also known as "The Big Boat." Rather than building for bulk, they set out to prove a technical marvel: creating the world’s smallest functional aircraft carrier. Their precision paid off, earning them a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records and a news feature after they successfully launched and landed an ultra-light airplane from its deck. His demand for perfection remained relentless through the years. It was a standard so high that no store-bought item was safe; if Wendy brought home something new, Larry would inevitably take it apart to rebuild it, ensuring it finally met his own exacting standards.

His Girls

Larry and Wendy built their forever home in 1975 in Wilmot, WI, where their family grew with the arrival of daughters, Ali and Becki. He absolutely adored "his girls," raising them with a tomboy spirit and a deep appreciation for his adventurous way of life. And while he took great joy in spoiling them with unforgettable vacations and legendary Christmases, he also was equally famous for his never-ending list of weekend chores he framed as ‘fun’, often enlisting the help of any neighborhood kids or visitors brave enough to wander over—an ethos many friends endured well into adulthood!

Throughout the years Larry and Wendy’s home became a revolving door for his daughters' friends, many of whom he came to consider his own. From stopping by to see his latest invention in "The Shop" to hosting crowd-filled afternoons at "LarryLand," he was the mastermind behind the fun, famous for his iconic farewell: “No drinking, no smoking, no swapping spit, no bail.” These bonds followed him Up North to the cabin, where fishing and fireside chats were never complete without Lar (a.k.a. “The King of the North”) sharing his legendary stories of pranks and mischief—and where you were just as likely to be a victim!

Papa Bear

Larry’s proudest title was “Papa Bear,” a role he embraced with boundless love for his grandchildren, Tyler, Ellie, and Ray. True to his nature, he didn't just entertain his grandkids; whether he was teaching them to build in the shop, engineering a custom zipline across the backyard, inventing clever new ways to catch frogs and critters, or leading "haunted" Kubota rides through the woods, he made every moment an adventure. He took a colorful approach to his role; he was just as committed to showing them the ropes with their BB guns and bows as he was to passing down the Marchel tradition of playing games that often involved a well-placed wager.

A Quiet Loyalty

Larry’s heart was also held by his loyal dogs, Jax and River. More than just pets, they were his faithful “shadows” and fishing buddies who offered endless joy throughout his later years. The bond they shared served as a quiet testament to Larry’s gentle heart and the enduring loyalty he showed to everyone he loved.

Those Who Carry Him Forward

He leaves behind a loving family who carry forward his memory with reverence and affection: his devoted wife, Wendy Marchel; daughters Alicia Marchel with her partner Lenny Hart, and Becki Marchel with her husband Tom Eppers; granddaughters Tyler and Elliotte, and grandson Raylan. His siblings, Lynda Zielinski, Lon Marchel with his wife Hillary, and Lauren Andrzejewski with her husband Steve, also cherish the memory of a brother who enriched their lives.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Ferdinand and Vera (Ullberg) Marchel, whose legacy lives on in their son's character and kindness. As well as his Uncle Axel and Aunt Evie (Ullberg), who held a unique place in his heart.

Sunset on a Life Well-Lived

Throughout his life, Larry exemplified quiet strength, selfless love, and a deep commitment to those he held dear. As we remember him, we hold close the countless moments of joy, the enduring bonds of family, and the adventurous yet peaceful spirit that defined his journey.

He will be profoundly missed, yet his laughter will echo in our hearts—warmly remembered and forever loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 8th at Steitz’s Resort in Antioch, IL. Please check the website for further updates. The Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory of Twin Lakes, WI is honored to serve the Marchel family.