Lawrence Dosch

Stoughton- Lawrence Dosch, age 73, died peacefully embraced by his family, on Monday, March 20, 2017 at Skaalen Nursing & Rehabilitation. He was born in Richland Center on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1943, the son of Perry and Inez (Osborne) Dosch. Larry grew up on the family farm known as Dosch's Corners at the intersection of Highway 56 & Highway 80. He graduated from Richland Center high school in 1961, and from Madison Business College in 1963. While working as a bagger at Millin's Grocery Store on Monroe Street in Madison he met the love of his life, Karen Hanson. On September 24, 1966 they were united in marriage at First Congregational UCC in Madison. Larry enlisted and proudly served his country in the Army National Guard, and saw action on the UW campus during the riots in 1967. He was a loyal employee of American Family Insurance for 42 years, starting as an underwriter and retiring as a maintenance engineer in 2008. In 1987 they moved to the Village of McFarland. Larry was a dedicated Member of McFarland UCC for over 30 years. He enjoyed singing in the choir, ushering, and helping to procure the sanctuary Christmas tree every year. His passion was to tinker in his garage, and work on small engine repairs and maintenance. Larry was an avid model railroader and lover of trains, together with his wife they enjoyed many trips on trains. He enjoyed tractors and heavy farm equipment, taking his children and grandchildren to thresherees to point out the tractors they were named after, and driving family and friends out to the Pumpkin Patch. Together with his wife, they enjoyed traveling to many different locations, including celebrating their 25th anniversary in Hawaii, church mission trip to Germany, and to the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival. Most of all they enjoyed spending time at their camper at Indian Trails Campground in Pardeeville, talking with neighbors and making new friends, being outdoors, participating in activities, and keeping the campfire hot and ready for good food and laughter. Larry was a very dedicated father and enjoyed being involved in his daughters every day activities, including entertaining friends and neighbors, driving on the crew for Drum and Bugle Corps, and accompanying the McFarland High School band to Russia. He was a very proud father-in-law and took every opportunity to teach and guide his sons-in-law. Larry loved spending time with family, especially his five grandsons. In 2013 Larry suffered a massive stroke that left him paralyzed on his left side. Through the wonderful care and support of his family and the staff and residents of Harmony House in Stoughton, and then Skaalen, he thrived. Larry will be missed by all who knew him. He is lovingly survived by his wife of 50 years, Karen; two daughters, Jessica (Scott) Pharo and Amanda (Corey) Mackey; five grandsons, Riley, Oliver and Colby Pharo and Kale and Liam Mackey; two sisters, Kathleen (Charles) Quinley and Lola (Paul) Higgins; niece, Elaine (Ben) Ovaldson, and their daughter Becca; nephew, Mark Quinley, and his children Tate and Claire; numerous extended family; and many friends. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Phyllis Lackershire; and brother, Perry Hale. A Celebration of Larry's life will be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday, March 26, 2017 at McFarland United Church of Christ, 5710 Anthony Street, McFarland, with Rev. Kerri Parker officiating. Friends and relatives are invited to a dinner reception, immediately following, in the church fellowship hall. Friends may greet the family from 2:00 PM until the time of services Sunday at church. Memorials may be made to McFarland UCC, Skaalen Front Courtyard Project, or Agrace HospiceCare Inc. Special thank you to Teresa Frame, and to the staffs of Skaalen Nursing and Rehabilitation and Agrace HospiceCare Inc. Please share your memories of Larry.
Cress Funeral Service
206 W. Prospect Street
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608) 873-9244