Larry Gene Sitarz Born: February 7, 1962 in Hinsdale, IL Passed: August 8, 2022 in Weston, WI Larry grew up in the Chicago suburb of Clarendon Hills, IL. He was a graduate of Hinsdale Central High School and studied meteorology (one of his passions) at College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL. He loved storm chasing. Early on, Larry worked as a chef at Howard Johnson's at the Hinsdale Oasis and later at Arby's where he met his future wife Melissa Moynihan. Later, Larry was employed by the public works departments at the villages of Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills where he was a certified arborist. Larry was also an avid collector of beer cans and related memorabilia having amassed a huge collection of rare cans and bottle openers. After their divorce, Larry moved to Wheaton, IL, then to Hancock, WI to assist in care giving for his parents, the late Edwin and Violet Sitarz, and finally to Wausau, WI where he was employed by Great Lakes Cheese Co. During his younger years, Larry and a group of high school buddies would often travel to the family cottage on Fish Lake in Hancock, WI. He continued to visit the cottage throughout his lifetime as he had a passion for fishing and the peace and quiet of the surroundings. Larry is survived by his brother Dan (Janet), niece Jessica, nephew Justin (Aleza), their kids Feivel and Shoshana, as well as his oldest brother Darrell (Ernesta) and step-daughters Emma and Kesta along with a dozen or more cousins, one remaining uncle, Walter, and a myriad of nieces and nephews who have settled all around the country. Larry will also be greatly missed by his best friend and 14-year companion Christine Kuentsler who helped each other through thick and thin. He will also be missed by all who knew him including his many neighbors and friends from church and community organizations in and around the Wausau area. A memorial service, officiated by Pastor Steve Grunwald, will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 6:45 PM at Cornerstone Lutheran Church, 625 Washington Street, Wausau, WI. In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial donation in Larry's name to The Humane Society of Marathon County, 7001 Packer Drive, Wausau, WI 54401. Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS