Lawrence (Larry) A. Beining

Lawrence (Larry!) Albert Beining was born May 9, 1940 to his parents Eleanor and Al. He grew up on their farm just east of De Pere and for 84 years he lived the farming lifestyle (and work ethic.) He passed early morning August 30 just as he lived - with peace and grace, at home with his forever partner, Pat. 

The Husband

Larry lived for Pat, his bride of 65 years. They married a couple months after high school graduation, had their first child as quick as one can be baked, and his life was set. Theirs is one of the greatest love stories this world has seen. If you saw him look at her, you knew the depths of his love and devotion. He was quick to help, quicker to laugh, and quickest to express his gratitude. Few men have been better husbands. If you take one thing from this obituary, it’s that Larry Beining was a grateful man and it started and ended with his pretty bride. He did joke to his bride that his 65 year marriage really aged him. The man did have a sense of humor.

The Father/Grandfather/Great Grandfather

If you could only describe Larry as a father, grandfather and great grandfather, you’d do well with the word “accepting.” His calm presence, sense of humor and patience (soooo much patience!) made him a kind and quiet giant to his five kids, eight grandchildren, and (his favorite!) one great-grandson, Charlie. “Great Papa” and Charlie played and laughed like goofs. Watching Charlie’s basketball games was a highlight for Larry. But all his children and grandchildren grew from his love, trust, example, and most importantly, kindness. He and Pat made a rich life for their underlings in the way that matters most. But if he was disappointed in a kid’s behavior, he spoke quietly and they felt it and learned from it (eventually).

Dog Years 

Larry loved his dogs - beagles when younger, and Brittany Spaniels after retirement. 

He bred and trained beagles to many championships, including the first Wisconsin beagle to earn a third place award in the International Beagle Federation trial. His dogs (and his fingertips) adorned more than a couple of Hounds & Hunting magazines and his pups were coveted by hunters and beaglers both locally and nationally. 

Larry finished and placed in field trials in many states and was a licensed field trial judge for the American Kennel Association, judging trials all over Wisconsin, Michigan and beyond. He was an active member and officer for the Lakeshore Beagle Club in Maribel, WI for many decades, where he met many of his favorite friends and people. 

After retirement, Larry added Brittanies to his kennels and heart. He enjoyed training and hunting with the bird dogs. Again, his pups were highly desired and proved great hunting and home companions for others (including some Packer big shots. Go Pack!).

The Horseman

Horses were another great lifelong passion for Larry. He trained and nurtured many, from childhood to well into his retirement. (As a young buck, he and family and friends would ride their steeds through De Pere (across the Claude Allouez Bridge) to sneak onto the Brown County Fairgrounds racetrack. Dad and his beloved ride Rocky won every time.

Horse shows, riding and sleighing were a central activities while raising his family. His bride won many costume prizes (some featuring all five brats) and Larry was a feature in the rescue races. Strong and athletic, he used his long arms and huge hands to scoop and jump with the best of them. Even if it was just down the looong driveway to get the mail, sharing rides on his sleighs and wagons made his heart sing.

The Worker

Larry worked in Fort Howard Paper Company’s shipping department for 36 years. He carpooled to and from “The Fort” with some guys who were like brothers. His real job, though (other than husband and dad) was his farm. Fifty-five acres of hay, corn and wheat. A small herd of Holsteins. Pigs, chickens, extremely mean geese, goats, sheep, horses, ponies, donkeys, all those dogs, and bears (just kidding). Whatever his wife wanted. He bought a used barn, had it moved on wagons and poured the barn floor by himself and by hand. Just him, concrete mixer, a shovel and trowel. The man could work like few others. He could also hit a barn visitor with a stream of his cow’s milk from about 40 feet away. Giggled every time. To make up, he’d tear a piece of Juicy Fruit and share it with his victim.

The Family 

Larry is survived by his beautiful bride Pat (Neuman) Beining, children Elizabeth Beining, Michael Beining, Lori (Steve) Schumacher, David Beining and Julie Zimmerman. Grandkids he spoiled include Nicole Beining, Shawn Simon, Samantha Some (with new hubby Bradley), Jessica Goldman (with hubby Ben), Abigail Schumacher (maybe future hubby Gabe), Gabriel Beining, Aidan Beining and Ian Zimmerman (who looked shockingly like a young Larry!). His one great grandson, Charlie Thrope is a shooting guard coming up in De Pere basketball. Still-standing siblings are Robert (Ruth) Beining, Joan Klauke, Barb (John) Truttman and Karen (Mark) Hornick. And his in-law side that gave him great times: Judith (Bern) Diederich, Tom (Kay) Neuman, Gary (Colleen) Neuman, Bill (Nancy) Neuman, Jeanne (Tom) Vanden Heuvel, Nancy (Mike) Vanden Wymelenberg and Jimmy (Isabel) Neuman. 

Loved ones Larry lost include his beloved parents, Al and Eleanor Beining, the in-law parents he loved deeply, Irene and Lester Neuman, his sister Marilyn (Jack) Sausen and Tom Klauke. 

Family and friends may gather beginning at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 2218 Day St., Greenleaf. A memorial mass will be held at 1:00 pm. Larry will be laid to rest in St. Mary Cemetery in Greenleaf.

Rather than sending flowers, Larry would greatly appreciate it if you would help one another or this beautiful planet.

Let’s all be a little more Larry.