Larry was born on November 17, 1945 in Moline, IL, to Lorraine (Kruger) and Albert Mahieu. He married his loving wife, Carollyn, on June 27, 1970 and they were married for 53 years. They resided in Davenport and raised two children.
Larry graduated from Alleman High School in 1963 before entering the military and serving our country in the United States Air Force and Vietnam. In the Air Force he served as an Assistant Crew Chief on a B-47 and a Crew Chief on the C-130-B model. He completed Aircraft Mechanic School, Spartan School of Aeronautics, Inspection Authorization classes for the FAA and Caterpillar Tractor Electrician Apprenticeship. Larry wore many hats throughout the years but retired from PB Leiner/Hormel.
Larry was an avid lover of airplanes which trickled down to his children and his grandchildren and even rubbed off on his daughter-in-law. Every year for the last 37 years you could find him at the Quad City Airshow. The airshow has become a tradition that we all have come to love, appreciate, and it will not be the same not seeing him at the head of the table. We hold on to the memories in our hearts and know he is with us watching. Dad, we promise we will carry on that traditions. Fly high and know that you will be missed.
Those of us who knew Larry were always guaranteed to have a laugh and hear his jokes when we were around him. He will be remembered for his advice, his generosity, and his huge personality. Larry may have been rough around the edges but when he loved you, he showed you in his own way. Dad when you get to Heaven give Mom a big hug from us.
Those left to honor his memory include his son, Stephen (Sara) Mahieu of Blue Grass; daughter, Jennifer (Kevin) Nicholson of Davenport; grandchildren, Bella, Maggie, Montana, and Maximus; sisters, Sue (Gary) Polton of Davenport, Patricia Mahieu (Jon Luzio) of Stow, OH, Marcella (Ron) Johnson of Port Byron, IL, and Kathy Kelly of Lexington, IL; brother-in-law, Roland Robert, CA; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his lifelong best friend, Terry Regan; and his four-legged companion, Lucky.
Larry is preceded in death by his loving wife, Carollyn; his parents, Lorraine and Albert Mahieu; his in-laws, Grover and Alice Barker; and siblings, Brother Giles Mahieu, David Mahieu, Mary Ann (Jim) Williams, Maureen (Barry) Verner, and Barb Roberts; and his four-legged companion, Junior.
The family would like to thank everyone who has helped Larry along the way. All the caregivers, nurses, and family members.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 4, from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Runge Mortuary, followed by his funeral service at 2:00 p.m. in the mortuary chapel. He will be laid to rest in Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can go to the Wounded Warriors, Paralyzed Veterans of America, or Honor Flight of the Quad Cities. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com.
