COTTAGE GROVE - Lawrence "Larry" Kieck, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, at the age of 78.

Larry was a man of remarkable intellect, quiet conviction, and understated humor. Those who knew him understood that behind his dry, sarcastic wit was a deeply thoughtful person with an endless curiosity about the world and the people in it. He had a gift for seeing connections that others missed and a way of making even the most complex ideas approachable.

His passion for learning led him to earn his master's degree in Geography from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Never one to stop exploring, he and his wife Kim traveled north to Canada where he pursued his doctoral degree in the Northern Studies Program at the University of Saskatchewan. His research focused on housing provided to Indigenous communities by the Canadian government, reflecting both his academic curiosity and his genuine interest in understanding the relationship between people, place, and public policy. He carried that love of knowledge throughout his life, always eager to share a story, an interesting fact, or a fresh perspective.

Upon his return from Canada, Larry ran the family business, Kieck’s Oak Creek Liquor, until he was hired by the Racine County Planning Council. In 1981, he moved to Madison with his wife Kim and daughter Emily to work for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, starting his career there with Rustic Roads and retiring in 2011 after managing the Ports and Harbors Division. At the DOT, he found a professional home that perfectly matched his lifelong interests. He was especially fond of Wisconsin's Rustic Roads, treasured the history and engineering of railroads, and never lost his fascination with the ports and waterways of the Great Lakes. Few things brought him more quiet enjoyment than watching the massive freighters glide across the horizon, their size and purpose serving as a reminder of the interconnected world he found so captivating.

An avid amateur radio operator, Larry found joy in the friendships and conversations that reached across cities, countries, and continents. He was equally happy discovering a new craft beer, savoring a good bourbon, or gathering with family and friends, often punctuating the moment with the perfectly timed sarcastic remark that would leave everyone laughing. His dry sense of humor and quick wit were unmistakably his own and will be remembered by all who knew him.

Faith and service were cornerstones of Larry's life. As a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, he generously gave his time and talents in support of his parish and community. He lived his faith not through grand gestures, but through quiet acts of kindness, humility, and a steadfast willingness to help others.

Above all else, Larry was devoted to his family. He was a source of wisdom, strength, and unconditional love. A man whose intelligence was matched by his kindness and whose presence brought comfort to those around him. Whether sharing advice, telling a story, or simply sitting together in comfortable silence, he made those around him feel valued and loved.

Larry leaves behind a legacy of curiosity, integrity, faith, and humor. He taught those around him to appreciate not only the destination, but the roads, rails, and waterways that connect us all. The lessons he shared, the conversations he sparked, and the laughter he brought into the lives of others will continue to resonate in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him.

He is survived by his wife, Kim; daughter, Emily; granddaughter, Gabriella; son, Chris; daughter-in-law, Cara; sister, Mary; and brothers, Ken, David, Bob and Tom. He was preceded in death by his parents, Esther and Ted; brother, Gerry; and godson Jeffery.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 434 N. Main St., Cottage Grove, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, with Father Michael Tarigopula presiding, followed by a luncheon at the church. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday.

Though he has left this world, his influence remains in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the countless conversations, both across the dinner table and over the airwaves, that helped make the world feel a little smaller and a little more connected.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to PBS Wisconsin or Wisconsin Public Radio in Larry's memory. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

“All, everything that I understand, I understand only because I love.” Leo Tolstoy

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

Lawrence "Larry" Kieck

June 20, 1947 - June 05, 2026

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