Lawrence R. Crusan

Nov. 26, 1929 – March 24, 2011


Lawrence R. "Larry" Crusan, 81, of Shawano, formerly of Waukesha, passed away peacefully at his home in Shawano on Thursday evening, March 24, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. Larry was born Nov. 26, 1929, in Eastman, a son of the late Harry E. and Lillian (Dolejs) Crusan.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

On May 7, 1953, he was united in marriage to Doris (nee Mohns) at Loves Park, Ill.

Larry had been employed at the J.I. Case Company in Rockford, Ill., for 17 years. He was then employed at the A.O. Smith Company in Elkhorn. He later worked at V&L Tool Company in Waukesha for 12 years, retiring in 2000. The couple served as foster parents to more than 175 children throughout the years. They were also the founders of the Harlem Youth Softball League in Rockford.

The couple moved to Shawano in 2005. His wife Doris preceded him in death Nov. 5, 2007.

Survivors include five children, David (Deborah) Crusan of Walworth, Debra (Richard) Hammond of Lake Geneva, Douglas (Barbara) Crusan of Greenville, Darrell (Tina) Crusan of Beloit and Diane Nimtz of Akron, Ohio; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Harry (Arlene) Crusan of Elkhorn; four sisters, Erma (Bud) Welsh of Durand, Ill., Mary M. Coppernall of Richland Center, Anita Doughenbough of Rockford and Harriet (Jim) Shadley of Arizona. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the 1 p.m. funeral service Saturday, April 2, at Schroeder-Mickelson Funeral Service of Shawano. The Rev. Susan Phillips will officiate. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery of Mattoon.

In lieu of flowers and plants, the family has established a memorial fund in his name.

Schroeder-Mickelson Funeral Service, 715-526-3135, is serving the family. Online condolences may be sent to www.schroedermickelsonfuneralservice.com.