MADISON - Lawrence Frederick “Larry” Skivers, 86, of Madison, Wis., passed away on July 10, 2024, of liver cancer after a short illness. His family took loving care of him at home until the end and cherish those moments they got to spend with him.

Larry was born on Jan. 16, 1938, to Fred and Elsie (Isenbletter) Skivers in Michigan City, Ind. He grew up in the Lakeland neighborhood and spoke fondly of his time there, especially the times spent at the beach on Lake Michigan. Larry joined the U.S. Air Force in 1955, retiring in 1977 and settled in Madison, Wis. After the Air Force, Larry worked for Honeywell and IBM.

The Air Force originally brought him to Madison, Wis., where he met his soul mate and the love of his life, Carole Ruegsegger. They were married on Dec. 15, 1962. Larry and Carole had a wonderful life together and remained deeply in love until the end. They shared that love and life with their three children, Renée Larsen, John Skivers and Brian Skivers (Rachel); and four grandchildren, Ian Larsen, Autumn Larsen, Adam Holmes and Max Skivers. Larry is also survived by his brother, John Skivers (Kathe) of Edwardsville, Ill.; and sister, Jeanette Hutson (Gene) of LaPorte, Ind. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Fred Skivers (Emiko); and sister, Joyce Emerick (Bob).

Larry was a good man with a wonderful laugh and was exactly the type of person you would want on your side. He always had a helping hand for anyone that needed it and never met a stranger.

Larry loved spending time with family, and really enjoyed his grandchildren. The Skivers family cottage in Michigan was a special place to Larry. He spent many wonderful summer vacations there with the extended family. He was very proud of the number of children he taught to swim and water ski and his ability to fix anything. The phrase, “Dad/Grandpa can fix it,” was a common refrain. He met a like-minded neighbor, Dennis Clemen, and they spent many enjoyable hours working on their projects together. He had very special longtime friendships with Gene and Judie Vance and Frank and Barb Lam.

Larry was a two-time survivor of colon cancer and strongly advocated Cologard and colonoscopy screenings. Please get screened in his honor.

The family will be holding a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Agrace HospiceCare or cancer research. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Lawrence Frederick Skivers

January 16, 1938 - July 10, 2024

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