Larry Sands Macdonald

Larry S. MacDonald, 84 years 11 months and 10 days, of Sheboygan, WI, passed away peacefully on Flag Day, June 14, 2011, at his home with family at his side. He died from complications of congestive heart failure and mild dementia from which he suffered the past ten years.

Born on the Fourth of July, 1926, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, he was the third of three children born to Eldred Gerald (E.G.) MacDonald and Bessie Sands MacDonald. He was preceded in death by sister Marion (died in infancy), older sister Ardith Johnson, his parents, and his wife Darlene. Larry and his family moved to Sheboygan when he was four years old. A 1944 graduate and class president of Sheboygan North High School, he lettered in football, basketball, track and debate. He entered the Navy's V-12 Officers Training program (Pre-Chaplain's training) on July 1, 1944; discharged on July 1, 1946. He graduated from UW-Madison in 1950 with business degree. He married Darlene on June 24, 1950. Larry joined his father’s business in the Equitable Life Assurance Society in Sheboygan in 1952 following two years of service with the United Nations in New York and Paris. He earned the CLU designation in 1960, Pension Planning certification in 1972, and ChFC status in 1984. During his career, his many accomplishments included achieving membership to the Equitable Hall of Fame and life membership to the Million Dollar Round Table.

Larry was very active in his community. In 1953, he chaired Sheboygan’s first UNICEF drive having the most receipts in the nation. That year he was also chairman of the Sheboygan Jaycee’s first Bratwurst Days celebration. He was a past president of the Sheboygan County Estate Planning Council and past president of the Sheboygan Kiwanis Club which named him “Citizen of the Year” in 1990. Larry served as a trustee for the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan County Foundation and was a past member of the Planned Giving Committee of Lakeland College. He was a life deacon of the First Congregational Church, UCC. Larry and his wife, Darlene, were strong supporters of the American Field Service (AFS) student exchange program. Their daughter Lori lived in Spain through the program. They hosted six students and three teachers from Argentina (2), Finland, France, Germany, Italy, China, Peru and Thailand. They visited many of them in their own countries. Larry and Darlene were also members of the People to People organization for over 30 years.

Larry enjoyed watching sports. He was thrilled to see his beloved Packers win the Super Bowl this past season. He was a member of Pine Hills and the Sports Core. He was an avid golfer and tennis player. Larry and Darlene loved the Arts and supported local organizations including the YMCA, Kohler Arts Center, the Sheboygan Symphony, and the Sheboygan Theatre Company.

Larry is survived by four children: Joni MacDonald (Raye Kanzenbach), Janet Koepsell (Mark), Scott MacDonald (Regina) and Lori Martin (Steven); five grandchildren: Christy Geschke (Michael), Laura Verrips (Christopher), Kendel Foley (Ryan), Jason MacDonald (Cassandra), and Jacob Koepsell (Lisa Moehr); and three great-grandchildren: Elijiah, Jackson and Harper. Larry is also survived by Ardith’s children: Karen, Kris, Brian, Brent and families. He is also survived by a large extended family including many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law along with many more beloved nieces and nephews and their families. A life-long animal lover, Larry is also survived by his two beloved cats he rescued from the Animal Humane Society of Sheboygan County. Larry wrote a book, Our Side, which he hopes you will read. You can find it at www.our-side.net. Memorials can be made in Larry’s name to donor’s choice.

A service to celebrate Larry's life will be held Tuesday, July 5th, 2011, at the First Congregational Church, U.C.C., in Sheboygan at 11:00 am with visitation at 10:00.