Laurance William 'Larry' Vittone

KIMBALL, Wis. — Larry Vittone, 68, of Kimball, died at home Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013, with his loving wife by his side, following a courageous fight against cancer. Larry was caring and generous. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle and papa and was loved very much by his family.

He was born Oct. 14, 1944, in Kimball, son of the late Esther (Ahonen) and James Vittone. He graduated from J.E. Murphy High School in 1962 and attended University of Wisconsin-Superior and University of Wisconsin-Parkside. During the past 25 years, he was an inventor of construction and athletic fitness equipment and held more than 20 patents for his inventions. His equipment is used by many high schools and universities across the United States and by professional teams including the Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers. He was honored to receive first prize in NordicTrack’s “New Fitness Idea” contest for one of the first elliptical ski exercise machines. His “Supra-Bar” curl bar was listed in Newsweek magazine in 1993 as one of the top fitness purchases for that year.

Larry grew up in Kimball and was known as “Superstar” by many people in the area. He especially enjoyed restoring muscle cars during his earlier years. He learned the construction trade while living in Alaska and claimed to be “the fastest framer in the world.” He lived in Oliver Springs, Tenn., from 1979 to 1996, where he built a successful construction and pool building business. He also worked as a paramedic while in Tennessee. He was awarded the “Good Citizen” award by the town of Oliver Springs.

He met Suzanne Rae Lorenz while at the University of Wisconsin-Superior and they were married in Superior on July 3, 1965, by Suzanne’s father, the Rev. Harry J. Lorenz. She survives.

Larry is also survived by his son, William “Bill” Michael (Joy) Vittone, Ashland; a granddaughter, Abigail Raen Vittone, Oak Ridge, Tenn; and a grandson, Jacob Patrick Vittone, Ashland. He returned to Kimball in 1996, where he enjoyed living nearer to his six surviving brothers and sisters, who are Richard (Arlene) Vittone, Bessemer, Mich., Shirley (Gene) Solvik, Ironwood, Mich., Robert “Bob” (Delores) Vittone, Kimball, Mary Calgaro, Hurley, Dominic Vittone, Janesville, and Lena (Jack) Constantini, Ironwood. He is also survived by and was very close to his wife’s parents, the Rev. Harry and Betsy Lorenz; his three brothers-in-law, Jim (Kate) Lorenz, Mike (Kim) Lorenz and Peter Lorenz; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Out of respect for Larry’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal memorial service will be held. A celebration of his life will take place on a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, National Processing Center, Attn: Honor and Memorial Gifts, P.O. Box 1245, Albert Lea MN 56007 (ccfa.org).

Larry’s obituary can be viewed online and condolences given to his family at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

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