Lawrence William Dorich

Lawrence William Dorich, 89, of Walworth and Oneida counties, passed away peacefully from a long-term illness on September 30, 2024.

Larry was born on October 8, 1934, to Frank and Viola Dorich and was raised on the north side of Chicago. He proudly served with the U.S. Naval Reserves for seven years, instilling a sense of duty and camaraderie that would last a lifetime.

In 1960, he married Mary Ann Egan, after meeting and falling in love as teenagers. Together, they welcomed three daughters: Tina, Julie and Rita. In 1973, he married Fran O’Keefe and gained a son, Tim. That same year, the family moved to Rhinelander, and opened a resort “Dorich’s Pine Isle”, where he dedicated over 20 years of hard work and passion.

He spent many years working for Illinois Bell Telephone, Stru Road Construction, and in his later years, Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport, but his true joys lay in his hobbies. As a passionate pool and horseshoe player he was involved in many leagues, and other activities including darts, bowling, wood carving, and fishing. One of his favorite traditions was the weekly Friday Fish Fry with friends.

Larry's first love was snowmobiling and trail grooming. A recognized member of the Hodag Sno-Trails for nearly 50 years, he was named Groomer of the Year (2009) and had a section of trail dedicated in his name (2019), a testament to his commitment and enthusiasm.

He was a longtime parishioner at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Congregation in Rhinelander, until he relocated to southern Wisconsin in 2023 where he continued to embrace his faith and community. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Larry is survived by four children: Tina (Steve) Kuchera, Julie (Dan) Reiser, Rita (Jim) Runyard, and Tim O’Keefe; 10 grandchildren: Steve (Wendi) Kuchera, Mike (Teagan) Kuchera, John Kuchera, Kristina (Eric) Bjorkman, Shauna (Eric) O’Keefe, Rebecca and Grace Reiser, Jonathon (Hannah) Runyard, Matt and Tom Runyard; four great-grandchildren – Sabastian Whiting-O’Keefe, Bryce and Kaylee Bjorkman, Arianna Kuchera and numerous other extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to Hodag Sno-Trails in Larry’s memory. Your support will help honor his legacy and continue to maintain the trails in Northern Wisconsin that he loved. You can access the site at: www.Hodagsnotrails.com.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024 from  10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pine Lake Community Building in Rhinelander. You may leave your private condolences for the Dorich family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the family.