Obituary: Lawrence G. "Larry" Kelliher - Class of 1949

MADISON - Lawrence G. "Larry" Kelliher, age 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 2, 2009. He was a lifelong resident of Madison. Larry was a 1949 graduate of Central High School, and received his bachelor of arts, and master's degrees on organ performance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1954. While attending UW-Madison, he was a TA for organ majors and an accompanist for many choral groups and eight voice studios. Larry served in the United States Army in Korea from 1953-1954. He was the organist and director of music at Trinity Lutheran Church from 1957-1960 and at Bethel Lutheran Church from 1960-1992. From 1994-1996, Larry was the organist and choir/handbell director at St. Luke's Church in Middleton. Larry served as the organist for the First Unitarian Society, Luther Memorial, Holy Cross, Grace Episcopal, First Congregational, St. John's, and Central Lutheran churches in Madison. Before retiring, he was the choir director/organist at Monona Lutheran Church. He also served as an organist for the Madison Symphony. Larry was a past president of the Breakfast Optimist Club, and was the dean of the Madison Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Lawrence was preceded in death by his father, Raymond in 1972; and his mother, Margaret in 2005. He is survived by his three brothers, Wayne (Mary), Ray (Patti Wheeler) and David (Rita); and his six children, Sally (Brian Huegel), Thomas (Gina), Mary, Nancy, Susan (Keith Kinion) and Robert (Teri). He is also survived by four grandchildren, Allison (Mary), Grant and Ryan (Robert), and Erin (Thomas). A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the Pet Therapy Program at St. Mary's Hospital. The family would like to thank the staff of St. Mary's Care Center for their loving and compassionate care. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 7, 2009