Laurence H. Nilssen

Laurence H. Nilssen, age 88 of Clear Lake, WI took his last breath on Friday, July 8, 2016 at his home  surrounded by his children.  

Laurence Herbert Nilssen was born on January 28, 1928 in Clear Lake, WI, the son of Carl J.E. Nilssen and Nellie E. Quinn.   Growing up, he lived in Lacrosse, WI, River Falls, WI, and Portland, OR.   Larry returned to Clear Lake and graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1946.  After graduation, he joined the US Marine Corps and served from 1946 to 1947.  On May 31, 1948, Larry was married to Lillian Rose Wright at the Reeve United Brethren Church.    Together they made their home in Portland, Oregon for a short time  before returning to Wisconsin, where he worked at  Nilssen’s Cash store and the Reeve Locker Plant.   He later purchased a grocery store in Roberts, WI.  In 1952 Larry become partners in business with his brother Neil in Clear Lake, WI.  Together, he and Lillian settled down in Clear Lake and raised  six children, Brenda, Brad, Barbara, Bonnie, Larry, Carl.   After Neil’s death, Larry’s sons joined him in the Grocery and Meat Processing business.   Over the years, Larry was active in the American Association of Meat    Processors and in 1971 he developed and patented his blue ribbon summer sausage.  Larry enrolled in State and   National competitions and made Nilssen’s famous for his Blue Ribbon Summer Sausage and quality meat products.  He was also a charter member of the Clear Lake Lions Club and active for over 50 years.  Larry and Lillian enjoyed traveling and wintered in Texas for 23 years.  He became an accomplished woodworker there and met his best friend Edgar Ballew from Alabama.  Larry taught his children exceptional work ethics, the value of family, community, and the rewards of giving to others.  His hobbies were woodworking, bowling, golfing, gardening, mowing lawn, and visiting with friends and relatives in nursing homes.    The last few years he looked forward to getting hugs from his friends and family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  They were the light of his life.   Larry sorely missed his wife Lillian, who passed in 2012 after 63 years of marriage.  

He is preceded in death by his wife, Lillian;  parents, Carl & Nellie Nilssen; step mother, Elsie Nilssen;
brother Neil; and sister, Vale Keener

Survived By

Daughters & Sons
Brenda (Pete) Cogbill  -  Clear Lake, WI
Bradley (JoAnne) Nilssen  -  Turtle Lake, WI
Barbara (Gary) Griffiths  -  Edina, MN
Bonnie (Jon) Springer  -  St. Croix Falls
Larry (Cindy) Nilssen  -  Clear Lake, WI
Carl (Jan) Nilssen  -  Clear Lake, WI
 
Grandchildren
Andrea (Bryan) Cress, Shannon Cogbill, Krista Cogbill,
Sonya (Jason) Swanson, Jason (Teresa) Nilssen,
Emily (Kevin) Johnson,   Evan  (Katie) Griffiths, Joshua (Roula) Mitchell,
Angela Springer, William Springer, Jordan (Branigan) Nilssen,
Jacqueline (Tyler) Denison, Andrew Nilssen, & Jennifer Nilssen. 
 
26 Great Grandchildren
 
Sister’s in Law
Helen (Wallace) Ellefson  -  Dallas, WI
Mary Wright  -  Clayton, WI
 
Many Nieces, Nephews,  Family & Friends

Funeral Service on Monday, July 18, 2016  at 11am at the First Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, WI

Visitation on Sunday, July 17, 2016 from 3-8 pm at the First Lutheran Church  & one hour before the service on Monday

Casket Bearers  -   Jason Nilssen, Joshua Mitchell,  Jordan Nilssen, Evan Griffiths,  William Springer, Andy Nilssen

Clergy  -  Rev. Bryan Anderson   Music  -  Brian Wick, Emily Johnson & Kenneth Knutson

Interment  -  Clear Lake Cemetery  with  Military Honors by the All Clear Lake Veteran Honor Guard

Scheuermann Funeral Home in Clear Lake is handling the arrangements
www.clearlakefuneralhome.com

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