Lawrence "Larry" R. Groene

Lawerence “Larry” Robert Groene passed away on Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 at the age of 69. He had a son, David, daughter Tiffany and son-in-law Kerry by his side.

Larry was born in Streeter, Illinois on Friday the 13th of June in 1952. The date of his birth, as we found, was no coincidence and began the start of an illustrious life leading “the myth, the man, the legend” persona he donned. His parents were Robert Groene and Elsie (Yuhas) Groene and true to the middle child, he was by far their wildest. He excelled in school and went on to attend University of Illinois Champaign, Urbana achieving a Bachelor of Sciences. After college he figured out quickly that the best boss for him was himself and started a successful career in sales. Larry eventually first partnered, later to own, Cascade Industries, in Rockford, IL. He never wanted to retire; he enjoyed what he did to the end.

He spent the majority of his adult life in Rockford, IL. Some of his favorite activities were boating on the Rock River, playing basketball at the YMCA, softball leagues and golfing. Larry married Lori Addis in 1982 and they had two children Tiffany and David. If you ever had a conversation with Larry, his children were his most favorite topics to brag about. However, upon the birth of his granddaughter, Mila Pozulp, in 2018, she quickly became his greatest joy. She called him “Captain America” and would battle with or argue with him at every visit. Larry loved to argue with anyone and Mila.

Larry was the man, the myth, the legend… he lived his life his way all the way to the end. He will be remembered in his wild crazy stories, and life defying experiences. He was more than the life of the party, he was the party. He now is pain free and embracing the party in the stars.

Survived by Daughter Tiffany and (Kerry) Pozulp, Son David Groene, Granddaughter Mila Pozulp. Siblings, Diane Baxter, Greg (Cathy) Groene, and Kathy Groene. As well as a number of loved nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his parents Bob and Elsie Groene, his Brother David Groene.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 21, 2021 from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Memorial Service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be established or to the Rock River Valley Food Pantry

We have planned the "Life Party" @ Lombardi Club Thursday, October 21, 2021 from 5:00-8:00pm; there will be plenty of food and drinks.