Lawrence "Larry" Gabbert

It is with a heavy heart we announce the sudden passing of Lawrence (Larry) E. Gabbert of Winter, Wisconsin, who passed away in his home on December 23, 2024.

Larry was the first of two children born to Gwen Cooley and Dan Gabbert on September 8, 1962, in Charleston, South Carolina. He was raised in Abingdon, Illinois, and graduated in 1980. Larry enlisted in the Navy shortly after high school, serving four years as a Fire Control Technician aboard the USS Prebble (DDG 46), a destroyer. He was honorably discharged as a 2nd Class Petty Officer.

On August 10, 1985, Larry married Laura Cooley, and together they had two children, Zachary and Samantha, whom they both cherished and loved deeply. To support his family, Larry worked as a welder at Butler Manufacturing in Galesburg, Illinois. After his divorce, he moved to Indiana, where he worked as a purlin machine operator while raising his son. After years of hard work in factory jobs, Larry decided to relocate closer to his mother in Wisconsin and run his own restaurant and bar.

Larry’s love for his family was evident in every action he took, from dancing with his daughter on his feet to when she began enjoying Stephen King’s books and he made sure to buy her as many as he could find one Christmas—proof of his big heart. His son remembers how his dad’s laid-back approach and willingness to go with the flow made life easier and more enjoyable. Larry also loved tending bar, where he could laugh and share good times with others. He will be remembered for his ability to make people smile, catchphrases like “top notch, boyo!” and his sense of humor, though often too raunchy for an obituary, will always be remembered. Laugh on, Larry.

He is survived by his children, Zack (Brandi) Gabbert of Auburn, IN, and Samantha (Dustin) Franklin of Peoria, IL; his parents, Gwen (Rick) DeJaynes of Winter, WI, and Dan (Joyce) Gabbert of Monmouth, IL; his sisters, Stormy (Dan) Cossart of Canton, NC, and Dannie (Krissy) Gabbert of Galesburg, IL; granddaughter Brooklynn; and countless family and friends who will remember him fondly.

Larry was preceded in death by his grandparents, Edward and Gwenda (Admire) Cooley, and Lawrence and Laura (Victor) Gabbert.

A memorial service, with military honors, will be held at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery on a date to be determined.

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