Lawrence “Larry” R. Kleinheinz, age 74, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 7, 1951, in Madison, the son of William and Lucille (Esser) Kleinheinz.

Larry graduated from Madison Area Technical College in 1974 with an associate degree in accounting. Demonstrating his lifelong commitment to learning and personal growth, he returned to school in 1990 and earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting and management from Upper Iowa University. He devoted many years of his professional career to accounting, first working with Mark Klinzing at his CPA firm and later with the State of Wisconsin.

Anyone who knew Larry knew he was one of the most devoted Wisconsin Badgers fans you could ever meet. He loved attending Badger football games and rarely left before the Fifth Quarter, as he especially enjoyed the performances of the UW Marching Band. While his passion for the Badgers was strong, nothing meant more to Larry than his family. In his final hours, he shared that he once wished he had traveled more but quickly dismissed that regret as he found pleasure and peace in knowing he had been present for every important moment in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He took great pride in supporting them and never missed an opportunity to talk about their accomplishments.

Larry’s faith was an important part of his life. He was an active member of St. Maria Goretti Parish and a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus. He achieved the organization’s highest honor, becoming a Fourth Degree member and earning the distinguished title of “Sir Knight".

Larry is survived by his two sons, Andy Kleinheinz (Lara) and Peter Kleinheinz (Melissa); his beloved grandchildren, Gavin and Kendall Kleinheinz, children of Andy and Lara; his nephew, Mathew Kleinheinz; and many dear friends and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, William "Bill" and Lucille Kleinheinz, and his brother, Robert "Bob" Kleinheinz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026, at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 5313 Flad Avenue, Madison, WI. Family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

Please share your memories of Larry by posting in his guestbook.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434