Larry D. Strickland, 57 years old of Pleasant Prairie, WI passed away Thursday, January 14, 2021, at his home after a long battle with cancer.
He was born May 7, 1963, in Portland, ME the son of the late Edward S. and Pauline (Lewis) Strickland. Larry grew up in Taylor, MI and moved to Texas when he joined the Army. He served as a military policeman, and stayed in the Army Reserves for several years. Larry completed his degree in Occupational Therapy, and worked in Dallas, TX- where he met his wife. Longing for the midwest, they moved to Northbrook, IL, and eventually southeast Wisconsin. He lived in Yorkville, WI for many years before settling in Pleasant Prairie, WI in 2019.
Larry worked as an occupational therapist for over 20 years. He quit working full-time due to health reasons and started substitute teaching. He loved working with kids and teaching – he also coached football and volunteered in 4-H. He was a passionate gardener, especially natural landscape design, and restoration and preservation of the environment. He coordinated the plantings of hundreds of trees in Racine County. Larry was proud to have his wildflower garden shown as part of the Racine Garden Club Tour. He was a talented fine-scale model builder, specifically sci-fi and Star Trek models. He worked to pass on his passion for his skill to the younger generation and 4-H youth.
Larry was outgoing and very social- he could talk to anyone, anywhere, and loved to put a smile on everyone’s face. He will be forever known for his sense of humor- always a joke up his sleeve; and his kind, servant heart.
Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Bernadette; his son Nathan Strickland; and siblings, Sharon “Cooky” Donahue of ME, Gary (Gaby) Strickland of Germany, and Penny Hardy of TX.
In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his sister, Charlene “Babe” Strickland.
Memorial visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 6, 2021, at Proko Funeral Home with a memorial service commencing at 11:00 a.m.
