Larry Frank Whitesell

Whitesell, Larry F. Madison/Lodi – Larry F. Whitesell, age 68, of Lodi, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2015 surrounded by his family at Maplewood of Sauk Prairie. He was born on Dec. 31, 1946, the son of Frank and Dorothy Whitesell in New Cumberland, Pa. Larry was united in marriage to Donna Keckler on Dec. 7, 1968, in Enola, Pa. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Heather and Joy. Larry received a Bachelor of Science degree from Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, Pa. Upon receiving his degree, he spent the beginning of his career at the Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pa, working with cardiovascular surgeons on the development and testing of artificial heart valves. In 1983, his career brought him to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with the family settling in Lodi. While at UW-Madison, Larry was instrumental in assisting faculty in their scientific endeavors as the Rennebohm Cardiovascular Research Laboratory delved into a host of different areas of investigations, including heart failure, vascular function and cell contraction mechanics. He also helped expand the Cardiovascular Research Laboratory into a University resource with involvement from a variety of departments and the medical school basic curriculum. Larry was also able to further broaden the focus of the Laboratory with collaboration for start-up companies from the University. He retired from UW-Madison in 2010. Larry enjoyed hunting, fishing and fly tying. He was an accomplished woodworker and also had a passion for running and reading, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family. His memory will be cherished by his wife, Donna Whitesell of 46 years; daughters, Heather (Jason) Cooper and Joy (Eric Schwartz) Whitesell; granddaughters, Annalise and Laurel Cooper; sister, Lois Walters of Sarasota, Fla.; and brother, Lester Whitesell of Camp Hill, Pa. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Louise Jeannette Whitesell. A memorial gathering will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2015. A celebration of life party will be held at the Stone residence, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m., on Saturday, August 8, 2015. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of his granddaughter, Laurel, may be made to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation at www.rettsyndrome.org. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Rd. (608)442-5002