Lawrence Quillin

LA CROSSE, Wis. - Lawrence "Larry" Joseph Quillin, 82, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 25, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born April 13, 1943, in La Crosse to Edward Joseph Quillin and Greta Riley Quillin. A lifelong resident of La Crosse, Larry was the third of four brothers. He graduated from Aquinas High School in 1961 and attended Loras College and Western Wisconsin Technical Institute.

On November 16, 1963, he married high school classmate and sweetheart, Barbara Jean Roesler, at St. Pius X Catholic Church and raised a family rooted in faith, love, and community.

Larry was the owner and operator of L. Quillin & Associates, a successful advertising and public relations firm, for 35 years. A focus on business reputation and a foundation of integrity were critical pillars of his corporation. He was a passionate troop leader for the local Boy Scouts as well as many spending many summers volunteering for the Boy Scouts of America at Camp Decorah. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus and an active member of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish. A natural leader and civic organizer, Larry founded the Family Fun Frolic, the event that evolved into La Crosse's beloved Independence Day festival, Riverfest. He served Riverfest for many years, including as a founding board member and president.

The celebration of his Irish heritage is well known to anyone who he knew. He distributed shamrocks and "Kisses" to the elderly and to school children as a "true leprechaun" on St. Patrick's Day. He danced across the city in his trademark green tuxedo and leprechaun slippers while he spread joy and happiness with his quick wit, jokes while in character, big warm smile and hearty infectious laugh. He will be sorely missed next March 17th.

When Larry was not "in character" spreading joy and jokes (Blarney) or working, he spent his time outdoors. As an avid hunter and fisherman, if there was a season, he made time to pursue his passions. In the fall, most any weekend he would be in the woods taking down various critters, walking fields bird hunting or in the water looking to get ducks or geese out of the sky. Come November, he was fully prepared for deer season, which he looked forward to and prepared for starting the day after the last season. Come spring, turkeys must have known he would be on the look out for them. In the Summer, Larry was in his fishing boat in any body of water it would fit in, casting for something to fry up for dinner. If he did not have the "Luck of the Irish" pulling fish into the boat, he was sure to spread his Blarney to family, friends and neighbors.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his sons, Shawn Paul Quillin (Laura) and Scott Kevin Quillin (Jane); grandchildren, Molly Mackenzie Quillin (Craig Tortolani, engaged), Allyson Quillin Singh (Akhil), Adam Christopher Duris (Vanessa), Kathryn Duris May (Charlie), and Matthew Peter Duris (Rachael); and great-grandchildren, Isabella Marie, Logan Peter, and Giovanna Claire Duris, Hadley Jane May, and John Oliver and Zachary Charles Duris.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Philip (Barb), Lyle (Sandra), and James Quillin.

A memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, at Holy Trinity Parish (1333 13th Street) in La Crosse preceded by a visitation starting at 9:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Aquinas High School Foundation, Aquinascatholicschools.org/acsfoundation, a cause deeply meaningful to Larry's education, life and values.