Lawrence “Larry” Michael Mitten, 89, of East Troy, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, April 26, 2019, at AngelsGrace Hospice, Oconomowoc. He was born May 13, 1929, to Walter and Clara (Kerstein) Mitten at Burlington Hospital.
He attended East Troy schools and graduated in 1947.
Larry served in the Army from 1951-53.
He met his bride-to-be, Judy Sass, at her aunt’s farm down the road. They were married on July 13, 1957 in Chicago.
He became game farm manager at Rainbow Springs Country Club in 1958 and worked there more than 30 years then, was employed at Evergreen Country Club until he retired in 1994.
He was involved in many community groups, which included being a charter member of Triangle Sportsman’s Club, a leader of Boy Scout Troop 92, a board member of Booth Lake Park Board, a volunteer for East Troy Area Historical Society, and an EMT for the Tri-Troy Ambulance Service. At St. Peter’s Parish, he was a charter member and Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, a Parish Council president and trustee, and president of the PTO. All total, Larry amassed more than 150 years of volunteer service to his community.
Not one to venture far from home, he lived his entire life on or near the family farm. To say he loved East Troy would be an understatement.
He loved to travel, as long as the destination was Ireland, visiting there 11 times.
He enjoyed woodworking, making furniture and signs – many can still be seen locally. He also had a fondness for dogs, especially Airedales.
His love of Lauber’s Ice Cream Parlor culminated in having his favorite malt added to the menu – The Mitten. Surprisingly, the same name was given to a St. Patrick’s Day specialty brew at East Troy Brewery.
He is survived by Judy, his wife of 61 years; sister, Sue (Ed) Falck; daughters, Molly (Peter) and Meghan, sons, Mick (Tricia) and Murry (Lynette); seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and godchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will celebrated at noon Saturday, May 11, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 1975 Beulah Ave., East Troy. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church. Internment will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St Peter’s School or East Troy Area Historical Society are greatly appreciated.
Legacy Funeral Services, East Troy, is serving the family.
