On a warm August night in 1968, Larry and his friends, Ed and Buzzy strolled into Smithton in his sleek Chevy convertible. It was then Larry encountered the Lang “Porch Gang” and met the love of his life, Linda. After spending a whopping $124 and change and the cost of a marriage license, they were married on October 11, 1969, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Smithton. Thus began a 53 ½ year life of love, family, and marriage.
Papa was a perfect best friend. While he was always there for you, it was always presented with a little bit of zest. You could say it was the “Larry way”. He was witty and sarcastic in nature. He always had the perfect come back, with a goofy crooked smile across his face. Papa loved to shop, when he wanted to give anyone a gift, he ensured his little elves knew the game plan, procured the package, wrapped it in the prettiest paper with bows, told him where they hid it, and then forgot a million times where they said they had placed it. Even though the recipient most likely knew about, saw, and was there to purchase the gift with him, he ensured that he would still have it prepared with love. Papa was always honest about what he thought and made sure that everyone knew as he spoke from his zesty, playful heart, but always had good intentions. When he wanted something done it was going to be done right, Larry’s way, and when he wanted it done. Most times this worked out in my favor for little projects I needed help with, but not so much when it came to our car Papa’s prized PT Cruiser convertible, Little Larry. Everything had to be pristine and up to date, waxed and polished. Grandpa was into all of the newest technology and always had to have it, much to everyone else’s dismay – I always encouraged these purchases. Some of his favorite collectables were animated Christmas and Halloween figures. Although the basement and garages were stuffed full of them and we had just cleaned out a majority during the move to his new home, he bought what made him happy to tinker with. He took in other people as his own and made sure all of us were on the right path. Papa taught us to be smart, to keep your bail money on you, be sarcastic, be playful, spread your love far, and to accomplish everything you can dream you can do. (Isabela Greene, Granddaughter).
Larry was a United Stated Army veteran. He worked as a printer and retired from for the Belleville News Democrat. Larry was a devoted member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Smithton, IL. He was a member of the American Legion GEM Post 937, the Smithton Commercial Club, and a lifetime member of the Millstadt VFW Post 7980.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry August and Mercedes Marie, nee Horrell, Schramm; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Oscar and Virginia Schenewerk; and his beloved pet, Zeus.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Linda Marie Schramm, nee Schenewerk,
three children, Brittney (Bill) Greene, Matthew (Elizabeth) Schramm, and Kenny August Schramm;
his bonus children, Hannah (Billy) Schenewerk Mauch and Zachary Schenewerk (fiancé Tanisha Rodriguez);
five grandchildren, Isabela and Liam Greene, Thomas and Marian Schramm, and Will Frerking;
seven brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Warren (Donna) Schenewerk, Jacki (Dan) Flanagan, Rosie (Bill) Sei, Susie (Danny) Godier, Maryette (Dave) Roy, Lloyd (Dawn) Schenewerk, and Jeff (Jenny) Schenewerk;
his much loved nieces and nephews, Christopher (Angela) Schenewerk, Angel (Robbie) Topoozian, Brian (Tracy) Schenewerk, Christine (Rick) Law, Becky (Brian) Schumacher, Bill (Christine) Sei, Elizabeth Sei, Hannah (Billy) Mauch, Zachary (Tanisha) Schenewerk, Dominick Schenewerk, Andrew Schenewerk, Oscar Schenewerk, Rachel Page, and Jonathan Page;
great-nieces and great-nephews, Jesse, Kody, Kyle, Ryan, Clayton, Madison, Billy, Elise, Sydney and Joshua;
dear friends, Helen Heid, Michael, Beverly, Bryan, and Lauren Stolze, and Fr. Stan Konieczny;
and his goddaughter, Dawn Barlock Baker.
We would like to thank his doctors, Dr. Christopher Schenewerk, Dr. Syed Abdul-Aziz, Dr. Douglas Dothager, the nurses and staff at Memorial East ICU Unit and The Southern Illinois Rehab Hospital, and Danny Godier for his love and support.
Words cannot describe how much Larry’s family appreciates all the love and support from their family whose love is boundless and ever ready.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John the Baptist Restoration Fund. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 5, 2023, at George Renner & Sons Renner Funeral Home, Smithton, IL, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, March 6, 2023, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Smithton, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 6, 2023, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Smithton, IL, with Fr. Stan Konieczny officiating. Burial of cremated remains with military honors will be at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Smithton, IL, at a later date.