Lawrence "Larry" Vasquez Ramirez

Lawrence “Larry” V. Ramirez, age 84, of Elkhorn, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, in Milwaukee, WI. He was born on December 29, 1938, in Fort Lupton, Colorado, the son of Gumecindo and Isabela (Madrid) Ramirez. He met the love of his life when they were 15 years old and married Gloria (Trujillo) on December 1, 1956. In his early years, he proudly and honorably served in the Army National Guard and enjoyed playing trumpet in their band. Larry was known for the ability to play various musical instruments. He worked for Frank Holton Company and started off as a Chief tester of brass instruments. He liked experimenting with the instruments to try to create better versions of them. He later became the Chief Design Engineer and designed instruments for Jazz and Classical musicians, such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Maynard Ferguson, Arturo Sandoval and Barry Tuckwell. He acquired several patents and was internationally acclaimed for his work. As a longtime member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, he loved singing in the choir. He was also a proud member of the Rotary Club. Larry cherished the times when his family would gather together and he gleefully seized every opportunity to pull a practical joke on any one of them. He was an avid reader and a movie buff. He loved and appreciated Gloria’s homemade Mexican food especially her beef caldo, pinto beans and, hot off the comal, tortillas. He was loved by many and will be missed dearly.

Larry is survived by his wife; Gloria Ramirez, five children; Catalina Reid, Pauline (Mike) Doyle, Lawrence Jr. (Paula Thompson) Ramirez, Annie Ramirez, and Anthony (Kathy) Ramirez, sister; Mary Ann Martinez, grandchildren; Michael, Julie, Curtis, Dominique, Ian, Izaiah, Lorenzo and Zachary, great-grandchildren; Isabella and Riley.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents; Gumecindo Vasquez Ramirez and Isabela Madrid.

The Ramirez family sends a heartfelt thank you to St. Rita’s Square Assisted Living and Memory Care staff and caregivers.

A memorial service will be scheduled for a future date. Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory of Elkhorn, WI, is honored to serve the Ramirez family. Online condolences can be made at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com