HILLSBORO - Larry James Daines, age 73 of Hillsboro, Wisconsin, passed away on June 29, 2022.
He was born on February 16, 1949 in Viroqua, Wl; he grew up on a farm on Weister Creek Rd right outside of La Farge, Wl. He was the second of five children born to Vaughn and Lillian Daines. He married Dianne (Mauth) Daines on October 19, 1974 at the La Farge Methodist Church. Larry and Dianne were also blessed with one son, Jesse Vernon Daines.
Larry graduated from La Farge High School in 1967, and then moved on to study at La Crosse State University. After graduating with a B.S. in Parks & Recreation, he went on to earn a second Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He then spent over 30 years teaching various middle school grades for Elroy Schools. Always a popular teacher - and not just because he left the maps down during Geography tests.
His main purpose in life was always loving and caring for his family, first and foremost. His arms were wide and strong enough to extend that love to a huge number of family, friends and neighbors over the years. This has been reciprocated by the same people tenfold during times of struggle for the family, for which they are eternally grateful.
Larry entertained family and friends with his quirky sense of humor and long...long...long stories. Most of them were reminisces about chasing bulls all over Vernon County, or working on a mink farm, or going to some dive bar in God knows where to do God knows what. Possibly, there was a Harley trip or canoe involved. To be honest, most of them probably shouldn’t be repeated in polite company.
He loved going on family vacations - as long as they started out with the car pointed West, and ended within a week or so. Home truly was where he wanted to be the most, and where he was most comfortable - right here in SW Wisconsin. As a longtime dog lover, he doted on his wiener dogs - Reuben and Boober (the Boob) - for the past 30 years. Basically, the dachshund versions of a Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame quarterback run.
Larry is survived by his wife, Dianne, his son, Jesse, daughter-in-law, Heather and granddaughter, Henley of Louisville, KY. He is further survived by his sisters, Mary Anne (Robert) Swanson, Linda (Richard) Campbell, and Jean (Phil) Muller; brother, Vernon (Diane) Daines; and their families; along with his beloved aunt, Bonnie McAllister and sister-in-law, Karen (Jeff) Bahr. Also, there are the cherished members of Heather’s family, who have become as close as family over the years. He was truly dear to so many it’s impossible to list them all here, but we are sure you know who you are - and so do we!
Larry did not want a funeral - but there will be a gathering for him at Rockton Bar in Rockton, Wl from 3 to 6 P.M. on Saturday, July 16th. Food and beer will be provided, which I’m sure has him rolling his eyes up above - but we had to get at least one more shot at the macaroni salad. Please come if you can to help us remember all the positive impact he had on everyone he met - and maybe tell those stories a couple more times.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a donation to the community charity Helping Our People Everyday (H.O.P.E) - P.O. Box 274, Hillsboro, Wl 54634. Please also remember to get regular cancer screenings and encourage your family members to do the same.
The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
Picha Funeral Home
