Larry J. Fundell

Larry James Fundell of La Crosse, WI formerly Apple Valley, CA and Princeton, Ill peacefully and gracefully took his mortal leave in the arms of his wife and children, Tuesday October 20, 2015 at his second home, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI. He had to leave us to photograph the reunion of his lifetime with long-time missed friends and family while the lighting was exactly perfect.

Larry entered this realm on November 5, 1948 in Princeton, Illinois to parents, Darrell and Elizabeth Fundell. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Medicine and Doctorate of Medicine from Northwestern University and Northwestern University School of Medicine in 1973 after an internship in Kalamazoo, MI. Larry continued on to complete the Radiology Residency Program at Stanford University School of Medicine in 1976, and later a subsequent fellowship in Interventional Radiology at the University of California-San Diego in 1992.

Larry was a Lieutenant in the United States Naval Reserves from 1972-1976. He was also an active member of the Radiological Society of North America, Northwestern University Medical School Alumni Association, and American College of Radiology.

Larry was a fervent advocate for the continuation of learning in all aspects of life, but none so much as the practice of medicine and healing. He collaborated on several medical publications, and his patience for teaching and fervor for growth in the science of medicine is a legacy that will live on through the many fellow physicians, physician and technical assistants, nurses, and medical staff he called family in his practices in California and Wisconsin. Larry retired from Gundersen Lutheran Health System in La Crosse, WI in 2013 after a 16-year career there.

Larry married the sunshine of his soul, Dawn Marie Wisong on May 22, 1982. He would, without hesitation, claim this as the most successful achievement of his life. Their love has been described most perfectly as a love that overthrows life, ungovernable and unequivocal. It transcends the traditional boundaries of time and existence, burning infinitely in the light of one another.

Larry is the hero for his surviving six children whom he loved immensely, Jason Fundell, Nathan Fundell, Dustin (Christine) Fundell, Leiah (Cory) Bowen, Joshua Fundell, and Jonathon Fundell. He was and always will be the great Papa Bear to his six grandchildren, Kaitlin, Dylan, Amorie, Lily, Delaina, and Dean, and those to follow. His bedtime stories will be told and retold, and his Santa Claus beard is unparalleled as the tool for tickles.

The daily routine is forever changed for the smallest Fundell, Molly Mae, whom Larry loved with every bit of himself and cherished the bedtime ritual as much as she.

Larry will be greatly missed by his younger brother Ronald Fundell, sister-in-law Cindy Fundell, brother-in-law Steve Matthews and his wife Michelle Matthews, also his most favorite nephew, Scott (Kelly) Matthews and their daughters, Caroline and Ryan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Darrell and Betty (Rooney) Fundell, and his dear younger sister Paula J Matthews (Fundell).

Photography was a life-long passion for Larry and he was a proud award-winning member of the LaCrosse Area Camera Club. His artistic gift had reached a peak of brilliance in his retirement years, and he gifted this world with some of the most exquisite images ever captured.

Larry actively chose to live a life full of love and grace through kindness in every encounter he had; thus, in lieu of flowers, Larry would request that you do an unexpected, unsolicited, anonymous act of kindness in his memory. Any donations can also be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project. Mostly, we invite you to share your chapter of his story with us, to laugh and weep and remember our partner, friend, brother, father, colleague, artist and healer.

Larry’s celebration of life will formally begin Tuesday, October 27th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Blaschke and Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. South, continuing Wednesday with visitation at 9:30am and funeral services at 10:30am at Christ Episcopal Church, 111 9^th Street North, La Crosse, and thereon continue indefinitely. Rev. Canon Dr. Patrick P. Augustine will officiate with burial to be held at Oak Grove Cemetery following services.