Lawrence A. Rowoldt

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Lawrence A. (Larry the Barber) Rowoldt, 84, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, March 14, 2022, with his loving family around him.

Larry was born at home on May 22, 1937, in Watertown, Wisconsin, the third of five children to Edwin and Katherine (Drost) Rowoldt. He attended school in Watertown until his family moved to Fall River, Wisconsin, when he was a freshman. Following graduation from Fall River High School in 1956, Larry served two years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He attended barber school in Rock Island, Illinois, and then moved to West Allis, Wisconsin, to start his career.

On Sept. 5, 1964, Larry married Sandra Niemi, who would be his partner in life for the next 57 years.

In 1974, the family moved to the Niemi family farm in South Bessemer (now the White Barn). For the next 10 years, Larry worked as a bartender and manager at the Alpen Inn in Bessemer, and enjoyed working the farm with his father-in-law, Reino Niemi.

He opened Larry's Barber Shop in Bessemer in 1985, and kept the men of the area clean cut and entertained for the next 20 years.

He enjoyed all sports, starting as a kid and later playing old-timers softball for the Dig Inn in Yale location, bowling in several leagues in Ironwood, and Hurley, Wisconsin, and golfing with Sandy and his buddies weekly at the Gogebic Country Club until his health no longer allowed him to play. Larry was an avid Wisconsin sports fan, holding Packer season tickets for more than 50 years, and attending or watching Brewer and Badger games whenever possible.

Larry's outgoing personality allowed him to develop many good friends while working at the ski hill and in the barber shop. He especially enjoyed his weekly golf outings with friends and appreciated that they continued to include him in the outings, insisting he ride along in the cart long after his health prevented him from playing.

Larry was a jack-of-all-trades, helping anyone who asked. His tool shed was both a hardware store and museum, and he was particularly proud that he had a part or solution for everyone who came to him for help.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Sandy; two daughters, Barbara (Mitch) Swanson and Anne-Marie (Dave) Kuchinski; five grandchildren, Abigail (Jordan) Jolma, and Andy (fiancée, Sophie Booker) Swanson, Gretchen Kuchinski, Sarah (Trevor) Hintz, and Jonathan (fiancée, Brielle Haile) Kuchinski; three great-grandchildren, Avery Kuchinski, Lucia and Callan Jolma, and baby Hintz due in September; a sister, Janice (Fred) Tschan; four sisters-in-law, Holly Rowoldt, Nancy Rowoldt, Nancy (Dave) Kauppi and Diana Nelson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Reino and Lempi Niemi; two brothers, John and Vern, a sister, Darlene Waterworth; his sister-in-law, Sylvia Rowoldt; his brother-in-law, Glenn Nelson; and a nephew, Paul Tschan.

Out of respect for Larry's wishes, cremation will take place.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 19, at 1 p.m., preceded by visitation at noon, at the Lakeside Memorial Chapel, 806 Putnam St., in Wakefield, with the Rev. Kay S. Richter officiating.

The family would like to thank everyone at Aspirus Home Health, Regional Hospice and Lakeside Memorial Chapel for their care and compassion.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with their arrangements.