Lawrence R. Legare

Lawrence “Larry” Robert Legare, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and proud veteran, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025. Born on October 19, 1943, in Wolf Point, Montana, Larry lived a life marked by dedication, skill, and love for his family and community.

Larry served honorably in the United States Navy from 1961-1965, and in the reserves until 1967. This was a chapter of his life he held with great pride. In 2021, escorted by his oldest grandson, he was celebrated as part of an Honor Flight, an experience that deeply moved him and honored his service to his country. During his 47 years living in Hartland he was active in American Legion Post 294 and served as a post officer, volunteered with elections, and served on the Arrowhead Scholarship Committee. In later years he also worked for the Village of Hartland.

He married Ruthann Hayes October 9, 1965 after they met at the Great Lakes Naval Base when he was stationed there for a short while. They lived in Long Beach and then eventually settled in West Allis, WI and had three children. They relocated to Hartland in 1978 to the newly developed Hartridge subdivision. They divorced in 1987.

Barbara Sternitzky and Larry married in 1989 and have remained active community members over the last 36 years. They built a loving home together that helped their grandchildren flourish.

A master mechanic and electrician, and a lifelong learner, Larry was renowned for his meticulous care of his tools and his ability to fix nearly anything. His passion for his craft was evident in every project he undertook, from tinkering on his workbench, to lending a hand to those in need, while also making sure to identify every classic car on the road. His way of saying “I love you” was making sure that your car was always in working order. His ingenuity and resourcefulness during his retirement years was channeled into winemaking and enjoying his time with the Vintners. He took pride in winning the 2013 blind taste test for a wine that took overall first place at the Wisconsin State Fair. His love of learning continued up to his passing as he took part in the local “Learning in Retirement” program.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Legare, his steadfast partner through life’s joys and challenges. He also leaves behind his children, Thomas (Helen Donnelly) Legare, Brian (Kathleen) Legare, and Janet (Vivek Balasubramaniam) Legare, two stepsons, Andrew (Nicole) Sternitzky and Jason Sternitzky; grandchildren, Seth (Maria) Legare, Justin (Marie) Legare, Kevin Legare, Noah Legare, Sam Sternitzky, Adam Legare, Max Balasubramaniam, Anna Sternitzky, and Gus Balasubramaniam; and great-grandchildren Lazarus Legare, Irene Legare, and Jaime Pelska. Through his example, they will carry forward his legacy of hard work, kindness, and integrity. He was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Claudia Legare and siblings Verna Smootz, Lois Merkel, Wilfred (Eugene) Legare, Leonard Legare, and Clarice Blankenship.

Larry’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know him. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Evert-Luko Funeral Home at 170 Warren Avenue in Hartland on Sunday, October 19th from Noon to 2:00 p.m., which will include Military Honors at 1:00 p.m. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home or donations be made to any charity in his memory.

Larry’s last wish was to donate his body to the University of Wisconsin Medical School. He will be a “silent teacher” for the next two years.

Rest in peace, Larry, a true craftsman, learner, patriot, husband and father.