I cannot believe that it has already been one year since Larry passed, I join many of his family and friends in expressing my feelings for his loss.
He was an admirable man with an incredible determination to overcome any difficulty that he faced. His fight against multiple sclerosis involved not only his will to follow all health guidelines and compliance with medication, but also in a larger scale, an effort in making the life of MS patients in Central Illinois the best possible by providing a clinic with resources to help not only medical but social needs. In addition, he had a vision to support research to cure MS, and to propel the Neurosciences in Central Illinois.
Larry left a deep impression on this Community. There has already been testimony from many of us, with future additional recognition for all he did. 
Jorge

I worked for Larry on two different assignments, S. Africa and Peoria. I had great respect for his leadership and direction. I send my best to Pauline and family.

Larry was a great athlete but more than that, a great person . 
I haven't seen Larry for many years but will never forget his tenacity for everything he did!
I'm so sorry for your loss 
Jack Patterson


Pauline, 
I am saddened to hear of Larry's passing, he was a wonderfull caring man.  I had the pleasure of assisting those with MS at the INI MS Center in varied ways due to the hard work Larry did raising money for the MS Fund.  Vicky Schwegmann.   

Our thoughts go out to Pauline, Derek and Brett - and Erin, Lisa, Connor, Graham and Richard.

I regret I let so many years pass since I last spoke with Larry, but he was never far from my thoughts.  We all have important mentors in life and Larry Wallden was certainly one of mine.  Larry and I arrived in Singapore about the same time and I was in dire need of guidance at so many levels given I was new to Caterpillar, new to life overseas and new to marriage.  Larry provided thoughtful guidance on all those matters with his characteristic honesty, forthrightness and humor.  To this day I remain grateful for all he taught me.  He treated me with the utmost respect but also let me know respect has to be earned.  He had high expectations of me and everyone that worked for him but always offered his full support to help you meet those high expectations.  Some of my most memorable experiences in life - organizing (along with so many others) Cat's first overseas board of directors meeting and pursuing business in Mongolia - were done with Larry's kind but firm support and his much-needed guidance.

But beyond all of my professional respect for Larry, he and Pauline were most importantly dear friends to me and Erika.  We remain eternally grateful for that friendship and we both send our deepest sympathies to his entire family.  

Sincerely,
John & Erika Langmore

Pauline and family:
Our condolences to you for the loss of a great guy with real class.  Good recollections of time together in the 'Geneva Years' come readily to mind. Always enjoyed his quick wit and wry smile. And, what a skier! His easy-to-get-to-know style was endearing and his 'can-do' attitude for all of life was infectious. He exemplified personal quality and grace to others at all times. May the Lord comfort you through these difficult times and may fond memories and blessings follow you all. Though we did not spend a lot of time together, we would certainly add 'Friend' to the relationship of Colleague.
   
Bob & Ev Hoffer
Numbers 6:24-26


Dear Pauline and Boys,

We were deeply saddened to learn of Larry’s passing.  He  was a  consummate professional  throughout  his distinguished Caterpillar career, and always a pleasure to work with! Our paths first crossed in Geneva in 1975 when Larry was covering African marketing, and ended with Larry’s last position as Managing  Director of Asia-Pacific Marketing in Singapore. Larry always represented our dealers effectively, helping the parent company understand their unique business circumstances. For me, he recognized my golf short comings, and in his friendly/ professional manner, sought to elevate my game. Bless him for his patience! He was an amazing golfer even when his MS struggles compromised his physical abilities!  We also admired Larry’s commitment to finding a cure for MS and helping others impacted by the disease.   Sincerely, Jim & Katie Owens

To Pauline and his family, my deepest condolences. 
On January 4, this year, my friend and patient Lawrence E Wallden passed after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. I first met Larry about 20 years ago, when unfortunately he faced the diagnosis of primary progressive MS.
Larry immediately adapted to the physical limitations from MS with incredible determination and fortitude. Not only did he want to beat MS as it affected him directly, but he devoted his efforts to the needs of patients with MS in Central Illinois. He became a member of the MS Council and pioneered a successful fund raising effort to benefit MS patients in Central Illinois. 
In addition, Larry, a successful Caterpillar Corporation Executive, was determined to establish the MS Center at the INI/ ST Francis/ University of Illinois, Peoria. His contribution culminated with the definition of the Mission and Vision for the Center. We submitted a flawless application, which was readily accepted. This was decisive to provide comprehensive, excellent care to MS patients.
Larry directly supported all of us in the care of MS patients. Dr Dennis Garwacki, became the initial designated MS expert, and many of our residents underwent fellowship training and worked in Peoria. These included Drs. John Pula, Reuben Valenzuela, Diana Londono, and more recently Drs. Douglas Juvinall and Tiffany Franada, both natives of Peoria, continue to care for MS patients 
In addition, over the years Larry’s effort to foster research supported Dr. Carle Asche in his successful work on epidemiologic studies in MS, and the data base necessary to perform this research.
Our most recent focus of conversation was the initiation of a combined basic science research in neurodegenerative disorders with immediate translation application in Peoria. He was eager to participate. In recent months, I had the good fortune to become closer to Larry; he was not able to travel to Florida this winter and as a result, we met frequently. All the w

We are sad to learn of the passing of Larry.  Betsy and I have often reflected on the voyage we took with Pauline and Larry in 1964 from America to Switzerland. Larry was a respected good friend and competent person in business. We send our condolences to Pauline and all of Larry’s family. Rest in peace Larry.
Paul and Betsy Ross Koller

Pauline
Sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. 

I am John  carpenter’s brother Bob and have dealt with multiple sclerosis for almost 20 years. 

Congratulations to Larry for a great career at caterpillar and for dealing with MS with grace. Thanks to you and Larry for your support of those with multiple sclerosis and for helping so many.

He will be missed

Most sincere condolences and prayers for your family.
Derek Thomas

My sincere Sympath yTo Pauline And family..Larry was one of a 
kind ... he was someone you couldn't say no to..someone who always had the MS  patients at heart..he was forward  thinking and the glue that kept us all together..he will be missed by many....all my prayers are with  you 🙏
Sue Ann Kortkamp

OBITUARY

Lawrance "Larry" Ervin Wallden

May 28, 1939 – January 4, 2023

Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel & Parkview Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services