Larry Joseph Hei

FITCHBURG-Larry J. Hei, DVM, age 78, of Fitchburg, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on Feb. 15, 1933, in Plum City, Wisc., the son of Joseph J. and Mildred V. (Suter) Hei. After high school, Larry served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 until 1956, a veteran of the Korean War. He married Cathy Gasteyer on Aug. 16, 1958, at St. Mary’s Church in Durand. After serving in the military, Larry attended UW-Wisconsin, and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1963, receiving a doctorate in veterinary medicine with high distinction. He served as a veterinarian in the Columbus area for 23 years. He was a federal veterinarian for the USDA in California for 14 years and a lifetime member of the National Association of Federal Veterinarians. Larry loved hunting, gardening, and birds. Larry is survived by his wife, Cathy of Fitchburg; children, Rebecca (Randall) Senn of Janesville, David (Denise), Derek (Holly), and Caroline (Jeff) Cronk , all of Madison; nine grandchildren, Trevor, Hannah, Cassandra, Alexandra, Andrew, Connor, Olivia, Elizabeth, and Sophie; brothers, Jack (Pat) and Dean (Marlene); sisters, Marlys (Larry) Thomas and Gail (Rollie) Hunt; and beloved cat, Maxine. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Joan Robertson. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Maria Goretti Parish, 5313 Flad Avenue, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012, with Monsignor Michael Burke presiding. Inurnment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Durand at a later date. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass on Tuesday. Our family would like to express a special thank you to the our caring doctors and nurses on the eighth floor at Meriter Hospital and the Agrace HospiceCare staff. Cemetery: Inurnment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Durand at a later date. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass on Tuesday. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Maria Goretti Parish, 5313 Flad Avenue, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012, with Monsignor Michael Burke presiding.