Larry Michael Simonis, of Green Bay, WI, passed away May 31, 2026 at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King, WI.

Larry was born November 4, 1943 in Milwaukee, WI to Arnold and Ruby (Olson) Simonis. The family relocated to La Crosse, WI where he graduated from Aquinas High School In 1962.

Larry served in the US Army from June 1962 to August 1969 with overseas tours in Vietnam, Okinawa, and Germany. He was honorably discharged as an Ordnance Officer at the rank of Captain. Larry first deployed in May 1963 with the Army’s first attack helicopter unit, the 114th Air Mobile Company. As one of the 3 top graduates of the turret armament school that year, Larry displayed expertise with the new helicopter gunship armament and was hand-selected to be a UH-1 “Huey” door gunner and weapons maintenance specialist. Larry ultimately survived 3 crashes, including one captured on a documentary. He battled several lifelong conditions related to Agent Orange exposure during his first tour, but he maintained a tireless sense of positivity. His service didn't define him, but it shaped his inspiring approach to living in the moment, accepting challenging circumstances with grace, looking out for others, and leading by example.

In 1970, Larry married Mary (Steinmetz) in La Crosse, WI at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral. They moved to Madison, WI, where they lived for the next 22 years and welcomed four children. In the mid-1970s, Larry studied business at UW Madison and, after spending his early career in sales, ultimately transitioned into a long, successful career with Schneider National. To be closer to the Schneider headquarters, Larry and Mary eventually relocated to Green Bay, WI where they finished raising their children and went on to enjoy retirement.

Larry was a lifelong learner and thoroughly educated himself on topics of interest, such as biking, weaponry, sailing and boating, cars, planes, World War II, and the Civil War. Larry had multiple boats and sailboats over the years and embraced the hobby in retirement. The family has fond memories of outings on the "Hakuna Matata". Larry first became interested in the Civil War when he noticed interesting historical landmarks while driving for Schneider. This developed into an enduring passion for learning about Civil War history. Larry particularly enjoyed touring Civil War battlefields, quietly walking the ground where history was made. Larry would happily share his knowledge with those interested and had a talent for sprinkling numerous facts and insights into conversations. A chat with Larry was always interesting. He was humble and kind with his knowledge.

Larry’s love of ballistics and marksmanship started at a rifle range in high school, continued during his time in the Army, and became a lifelong passion culminating with his dedication to the Nicolet Rifle Range in Suamico, WI. The Nicolet Rifle Range was Larry’s home away from home and he loved his friendships there. Not only did he enjoy spending time outdoors and experimenting with newly cast ammunition, but he also held several positions including Range Safety Officer, Secretary, and President. If Larry wasn't home, he was likely shooting a pistol, drinking a cup of coffee with a friend, or tinkering with a repair or creative project at the range.

Larry loved animals and all the beloved family pets were strays or rescues. He managed the university aquariums as a student at UW Madison and volunteered at the Humane Society in Green Bay, WI. At the Humane Society, he particularly enjoyed caring for the cats and walking the pit bulls, who he felt were misunderstood and deserved extra affection.

Larry was "our rock” and touched the lives of everyone who knew him, even for a short time. He was quietly funny, kind, humble and positive in good times and bad. When asked how he was doing, he would frequently reply “I have inventoried all my body parts, and everything still works, so it’s a good day” – and then head out to see what the new day held in store.

Larry is survived by Mary, his wife of almost 56 years, daughters, Rebecca La Rose of Edgerton, WI, Nicole of Green Bay, WI, Kathryn (Gautam) Ganguli and grandchildren, Ander, Tora, Gunnar, Kaia of Washington, DC, and son, Scott (Jennifer) and grandchildren, Jacob and Madelaine of Cottage Grove, WI. Larry is also survived by his brother, Ronald (Deb) Simonis, niece Abby Christopherson and nephews, Richard Simonis, Chad Marks, and Erik Simonis. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Nancy (Richard) Simonis, and niece Sarah.

Family and friends may call to Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere, WI 54115 on Saturday, July 11, 2026, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and continuing until 12:00 p.m. Military Honors will begin services and will be followed by Rev. Donald Everts.

The family offers sincere thanks to Cardiology Associates, the physicians, surgeons, nursing teams, and volunteers at Bellin Hospital, Milo C. Huempfner Green Bay VA clinic, and Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care. In memory of Larry, donations may be made to the Green Bay Humane Society (Wisconsin Humane Society) or the WI Veterans Home at King (Wisconsin Veterans Home at King).

Checks can be made to: WI Veterans Home at King. In the Memo Line, please include, "In Memory of Larry M. Simonis". Donations will support member enrichment activities and facility beautification. Please mail to:

WI Veterans Home at King

ATTN: Donations

N2665 County Road QQ

King, WI 54946