Larry Lee Maltbey

Larry Lee Maltbey, age 85, died on July 18, 2023, in Rhinelander with his wife and children at his side.

Larry was born in Shawano on May 23, 1938, to the late John and Luella (Rosenow) Maltbey. He attended Shawano High School and, while there, he was the consummate student athlete participating in football, basketball, baseball and choir. Larry was the captain of the 1956 WIAA State Basketball Championship team, and as a result of his exploits, is a member of the Shawano High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Upon graduation from high school, Larry attended the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point and played basketball there as well, participating in the national championship tournament in Kansas City. 

Almost 70 years ago, a nervous freshman in high school asked a junior boy to the Sadie Hawkins dance. One thing led to another, and in 1960, Larry married his high school sweetheart, Viola (Twin) Vigue. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage together. After college, Larry went to work in Chicago for two years for the Food and Drug Administration. Desiring the quieter lifestyle, Larry and Twin returned to Wisconsin, and shortly thereafter, he went to work in Wisconsin Rapids for what became the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. After some department restructuring, Larry was transferred to the Rhinelander DNR office where he worked as a water biologist and remained there until retiring in 1996.

Larry was always known as a very avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman. Even as a young boy, Larry would often be found on the banks of the Wolf River fishing for catfish, walleyes, or anything else that dared take his bait. He hunted caribou in Quebec, fished for steelhead trout and halibut in Alaska, and bagged many deer and turkey in Wisconsin and Montana. Larry’s wildlife trophy case was very full. And because they did everything together, Twin was often by his side for those trips. Larry was also a gifted woodworker, and when he was at home, more often than not, he was out in his shop creating a new piece of beautiful furniture for somebody else to enjoy. He took great pride in his work, and he couldn’t wait to see the smiles on the faces of the people he made items for.

Larry’s faith in the Lord was his rock, and he leaned hard on his faith for his entire life. He always knew that God was by his side, guiding him through his life journey. He instilled that sense of faith of God into his family members as well. Larry’s love of his family was rich and endless. His love and generosity toward each and every family member was obvious, overt, and knew no bounds. Larry was also a friend to many, and he thoroughly enjoyed talking and laughing with anyone he had known his entire life, or even those he had met for the first time. 

If you knew Larry at all, you liked Larry a lot.

The family is very thankful for the love, compassion, and caring for Larry that was expressed by friends and acquaintances over the last few years. Additionally, the entire family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at Grace Lodge in Rhinelander and the Compassus Hospice Care team for their outstanding attention and care that they provided for Larry.

In addition to Viola, Larry is survived by his sister Virginia (Ginny Prei), and his four daughters Lynn (Craig) Hatleback, Karen (Greg) Harvey, Deanna Nelson (Jim Hein), and Jodi (Gary) Van Pay. He has 10 surviving grandchildren including Eric (Allison) Hatleback, Scott Hatleback Jennifer (Ryan) Pittsley, Brad (Kaylee) Harvey, Mandy (John) Hein, Jesse Nelson (Josh Willis), Rachel Nelson (Dirk Sturm), Becky (Nick) Selig, Joshua Van Pay, and Courtney Van Pay. He is furthered survived by his 11 great-grandchildren Lana, Harlow, Alexis, Evan, Ella, Lucy, Ivan, Emry, Morgan, Maya and Theo. 

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Duane, and a grandson, Cody Van Pay.

Visitation for Larry is set for Thursday, July 27, 2023, from 10 a.m. to noon, with a Mass of Christian Burial following at noon, all at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church. Father Chris Kemp will be officiating. 

A memorial is being established in Larry's name and any gifts may be directed to his family. You may also leave your private condolences for the Maltbey family at www.carlsonfh.com. 

The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Maltbey family.