Lawrence F. 'Larry' Recla

WAKEFIELD, Mich. — Lawrence F. “Larry” Recla, 86, of Ironwood, died Friday, Aug. 30, 2013, at Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield.

He was born Aug. 1, 1927, in Montreal, Wis., son of the late Frank and Josephine (Chambretti) Recla, and attended Montreal schools. He was employed as an electrician prior to entering the U.S. Army Air Corps and serving in Occupation Forces in Japan at the end of World War II.

Following his discharge, Larry worked at the Roddis Lumber Mill in Ironwood, in the Montreal Mine until it closed, and briefly for Lakehead Pipeline. He then was employed at White Pine Copper Co. until a work-related injury forced his retirement in the late 1970s.

An avid outdoorsman, Larry enjoyed fishing, hunting and making firewood. He especially enjoyed spending quality time out at his camp with his grandchildren. A good Samaritan, he was a great help to all of his neighbors. He will be dearly missed.

On Dec. 13, 1957, Larry married Joan Lynch in Silver City, Minn. She survives.

Also surviving are a son, Michael (Linda), and daughter, Cynthia (Larry) Koski, both of Ironwood; four grandchildren, Paul (Kristina) Recla, Ironwood, Christie Recla and Justin Recla (Brooke Wiitanen), both of Woodbury, Minn., and Ryan Koski, Ironwood; nine great-grandchildren, Mason, Logan, Daija, Forrest, Haidi, Jaici, Cole, Cadence and Hayden; sisters-in-law, Betty Recla and Sally Fontecchio (Tom Wanden), both of Ironwood, and Judy (Earl) Gravatt, San Dimas, Calif .; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Michael Recla, in 2000; and a brother, Louis.

Out of respect for Larry’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal services will be held.

Private interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.

Messages of condolence may be given online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.