Larry Richard Lanaville, age 83, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, September 7, 2026. He was born on August 10, 1943, in Bark River, Michigan, the son of Williard and Irene Lanaville.

Larry graduated from Wisconsin Academy in Columbus, Wisconsin, in 1962. He served in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, as a medical corpsman and personal assistant to one of the commanding officers. He received the National Defense Service Medal.

Larry married Diane Anderson on December 2, 1967. Years later Larry married Jan Brenner on October 23, 1993, in Madison, Wisconsin. From that day forward, Larry and Jan were devoted partners sharing their lives, faith, work, adventures, and service to others. They were a team, taking on life together and finding joy in the many things they could share side by side.

Larry devoted his working life to construction. He founded Summit Designers/Builders, Inc., and spent many years designing and building custom homes throughout the Madison area. A hands-on general contractor, Larry took pride in listening to his clients, understanding their vision, and creating homes of exceptional quality. His love of working with wood began as a child, and he never lost his appreciation for craftsmanship. He loved the smell of sawdust anytime, anywhere.

Larry participated in the Parade of Homes for many years and retired from the business at the end of 2008. Retirement did not slow him down. He continued to use his skills to help others through years of volunteer work.

Faith was an important part of Larry's life, and he loved using his God-given talents to serve others. Camp Wakonda became a second home to him for approximately 25 years. He volunteered whenever he could, building and repairing, cutting dead trees, running the sawmill, and working alongside friends. He treasured his time at Camp Wakonda and the friendships he made there.

Larry volunteered with Three Angels Broadcasting Network, helping build sets for Bible productions and working behind the scenes. Through Maranatha International, he participated in construction projects throughout the United States and on one overseas project. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes for families in need in Dane County.

Larry was especially proud of his family. He and Jan spent a great deal of time with the three grandchildren, Arianne, Jessica, and Joshua, as they were growing up. They enjoyed Family Camp at Camp Wakonda for many summers and shared special traditions and activities together throughout the holidays and year. The grandchildren brought him great joy, and he was incredibly proud of the people they have become.

Larry was also very proud of his son, Jason, who was accomplished in his own life and held a special place in his father's heart.

Larry loved being outdoors and spending time with family. He enjoyed gardening, making maple syrup with his brother Allen and brother-in-law Fred, and hunting with family in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where he was born and raised. He also loved creating things. He made birch bark crafts, birdhouses, United States flags from shard glass, and many other projects. He enjoyed table puzzles and would often save the final piece for Jan to complete.

Larry will be remembered for his faith, creativity, generosity, and willingness to help others and his joy in using his God-given talents to build, create, and serve.

Larry is survived by his wife, Jan Lanaville; son, Jason Lanaville; grandchildren, Arianne Nuñez (Ramelo), Jessica Lanaville (Hannah Whitacre), and Joshua Lanaville; brother-in-law, Tim Brenner (Jamuna Sirker); brother-in-law, Terry Mattern (Pat, deceased); sisters, Pat Brewer (Gene), Sandy Miller (Fred), and Judy Lanaville; and brothers, Allen (Alice), Phillip, and Dan (Jane).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Williard and Irene Lanaville; Jan's parents, Edward and Zella Brenner; Jan’s sister, Pat Mattern; and other family members.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Madison East Seventh-day Adventist Church, 910 Femrite Drive, Monona, Wisconsin, with visitation from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A luncheon will follow at Three Angels Christian School, located across from the church. Burial will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Middleton Junction Cemetery, 8409 Isaac Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, with military funeral honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camp Wakonda, Seventh-day Adventist Youth Camp & Camp Meeting Grounds, in Larry's memory. Contributions may be mailed to WI Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, P.O. Box 100, Fall River, WI 53932, with “Camp Wakonda in memory of Larry Lanaville” noted on the check.