Larry V. Bourne

Larry V. Bourne, age 84, passed peacefully on December 11, 2025, at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Waupaca. He was born on October 12, 1941, in Tremonton, Utah, to Don and Vernetta (Adams) Bourne, who instilled in him the values of faith, hard work, service, and responsibility that guided him throughout his life.

On July 8, 1960, Larry married the love of his life, Margaret Bright, in Logan, Utah. Together they built a marriage grounded in loyalty, perseverance, and deep mutual respect—forming the foundation of a close and loving family that spanned generations.

Larry was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his faith shaped how he lived and led. He proudly served in the United States Army for nearly 25 years, retiring as a Sergeant Major—representing the highest one percent of the entire enlisted force. He was widely respected by his soldiers and consistently selected for key leadership roles as a First Sergeant and Sergeant Major years ahead of his peers, a testament to his character, competence, and the trust placed in him by those he served alongside. Larry concluded his military career as a ROTC instructor at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, mentoring young men and women at the start of their own paths of service. It was during this time that he fell in love with all that Wisconsin had to offer, and in 1984, he and Margaret chose to retire in Oshkosh, which became their home.

Following his military service, Larry continued to lead in civilian life, serving in multiple senior management and executive leadership roles, where he excelled and left a positive, lasting mark on every organization he worked with. Yet where Larry truly surprised and delighted people--was on the stage. A crowd-favorite karaoke performer, no one ever expected a retired Sergeant Major to bring the house down with “It Wasn’t Me” by Shaggy, “Suspicious Minds” by Elvis, or “The Hillbilly Rap” by Neal McCoy—but that he did. Time and again, crowds erupted in laughter and applause, begging for encores. Larry won multiple karaoke contests and traveled to competitions across the country, with a trip to New York City—the Big Apple—standing out as one of his most cherished memories. Through music and joy, he connected with people wherever he went.

Above all else, Larry was a devoted husband, a loving and steady father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, a loyal brother, and a trusted friend. He believed deeply in leaving the world better than he found it—a value he lived by and instilled in all of his children. There may be no more encores for Larry, but his impact will continue to be felt. He touched the lives of thousands around the world and leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, faith, laughter, and love.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret Bourne; his children, Kevin (Christine) Bourne, Joel (Jacqueline) Bourne, Kristina Smick, and Kylene (Brian) Dieck; his grandchildren, Faith, Amber, Julian, Vivace, Joel Jr., Jonas, Jriver, Jacxs, Brittany, Caleb, Cameo, Gabrielle, and Alexandra; and his great-grandchildren, Wesley and Melody. He is also survived by his siblings, Sherry (Kennard) Sorensen; Steven (Peter) Bourne; Jane Benson; Jill (Larry) Reda; Neil (Sheila), Charlie and Linda Bourne; Flossie (Brent) Madsen; Kirk (Ruth) Bourne; Tricia (Clayton) Grover; Tonia (Michael) Mundy; Terri and Samantha Bourne.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Vernetta Bourne, his brother Don Bourne Jr., and his son, Michael Lawrence Bourne.

Larry was truly loved and will be deeply missed.

Per Larry’s wishes, cremation will take place.