Larry L. Fricke, of Manitowoc, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2022.

Larry was born on May 28, 1938 in Manitowoc to the late Alice (Olson) and Joseph Fricke.  After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1957, he joined the Army National Guard.  In 1963, Larry married Ruth O'Grady at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Manitowoc. He worked most of his career for the Manitowoc Public School System from where he retired in 1998. Larry served many roles at St. Boniface including the parish council and the school board. He was active in the Kiwanis Club and was honored to be Kiwanian of the year in 1987.  Larry enjoyed participating in the Lakeshore Dartball League (The Misfits).  He had a love of playing games -   especially cribbage which he would remind his children and grandchildren that he was the Cribbage King!  Larry was also an avid fan of all Wisconsin sports, especially the Milwaukee Brewers.

Survivors include Larry's wife of 59 years, Ruth; four children, Christine (Chris) Rasmussen, Coree (Warren) Wallander, Tom (Monica) Fricke, and Jayson (Dipti) Fricke; nine grandchildren, Sam (Claire), Travis, Selena, Reegan (Tyler), Jack, Gabriel, Cece, Myrna and Saoirse; three great grandchildren, William, Nora, and Wyatt - all of whom will miss him, his humor, and kindness immensely; brother, Dennis (Donna) Fricke; good friend and brother-in-law, Cal Wester; also many other relatives and friends.  Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Alice Fricke; and two sisters, Jolene Wellner and Sandra Pankratz.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, 1121 North 14 ^th Street, Manitowoc.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Matthew Colle.  A luncheon for family and friends will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home.  Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel with entombment of Larry's cremated remains to be held at Calvary Mausoleum.  The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo on Tuesday from 1 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 3 p.m.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Larry's name.

Larry's family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to all of the staff at Aurora Medical Center and it's Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic.

A special note from Larry to his family: To my children and grandchildren, Be not sorrowful that I am gone and my earthly life is done.  Be not sad I passed away.  For in you, my children, I live each day.  There is a little of me in all of you.  In each new life, I live anew.  So you see, I'll never be really gone, as long as there are children to carry on.  I have had my share of love, sorrow, and strife.  I have lived a full and fruitful life.  So do not mourn and do not weep.  For I have earned this peaceful sleep. Author unknown.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11 ^th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.