Larry E. Westen, a former Antigo resident and current resident of The Villages, Florida passed away unexpectedly June 26, 2019 at Wausau Aspirus Hospital. He was 78 years old. Born in Wayland, Iowa in 1941, Larry was raised on a farm in Washington, Iowa . He graduated from Crawfordsville High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from the Iowa State Teachers College, now University of Northern Iowa.
Larry married Carolyn Conrad in 1961 and began his teaching career in Eagle Grove, Iowa from 1964-1968. He then took a job in production management for International Milling Co. for the next two years.

He moved to Antigo in 1970. Larry took a teaching position with the Unified School District of Antigo and was a dedicated educator for 26 years. He recently recalled in a conversation that some of his fondest memories were the years at Crestwood Elementary School where he also coached several athletic programs. After retiring in 1996, he was a long haul truck driver part time for 8 years. He had a passion for cutting firewood and was known by many as an extremely hard worker. In 2002 Larry and his wife began spending time in The Villages, Florida, eventually becoming Florida residents. Larry was an avid golfer, loved to fish, ride bicycles, and drink coffee at the Dixie. He also loved spending time at the cottage during the summer months.

Larry and Carolyn were members of the United Methodist Church in Antigo for many years and joined the New Covenant United Methodist Church in Florida where he volunteered on many projects. Larry loved his family and grandchildren immensely and will be missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Evert and Wilma Westen, and a sister Mary Jo.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 58 years, Carolyn. Two sons Kelly and Heidi (Johnston) Westen of Illinois, Mark and Kathy (Husnick) Westen of Antigo; four grandchildren; Cydney, Jackson, Bradley and Julia.

A memorial service will be held on Monday July 1, 2019 at 7 p.m. at Bradley Funeral Home with Deacon Tom Hartman officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 4:30 p.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.