Lawrence “Larry” V. Mastalish, 86, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, November 2, 2023, at Oak Park Place Assisted Living in Green Bay. Larry was born August 16, 1937, in Goodman Wisconsin to the late Walter and Helen (Magiera) Mastalish. He attended school in Goodman, Wisconsin and graduated in 1955. During high school he and two friends organized the Jolly Boys Band where he played the accordion and saxophone as they entertained the community at weddings and dances.
After graduation, Larry attended the Green Bay Badger Business College where he majored in Accounting. Following graduation from college he enlisted in the Army where he trained at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for 6 months and then spent 6-1/2 years in the Army Reserves. He then became involved with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) where he served until recently. Two years ago, Larry received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Dedicated Service.
Larry met Doris Ann Menghini in college and they were married on September 12, 1959, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield, Michigan.
Larry began a 35-1/2 year career at Procter & Gamble in 1958 where he served in various management positions. He was especially proud to have coordinated the program for Green Bay students to attend Trees for Tomorrow in Eagle River, WI. During those years he served on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce, Wildlife Sanctuary, and the UWGB Ecumenical Center. In May 1994, he retired as the Public Affairs Manager at Procter & Gamble.
In May 1995, Larry was ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay. During the next 28 years he served the people at St. Bernard Parish where he conducted services and coordinated many ministries. He also served as an MC for the Bishops of the Diocese for several years.
In addition to his Church work, Larry enjoyed taking care of his yard and flowers. He enjoyed golfing with his Wednesday Golf League and winter ski trips with family and friends. For many years Larry and Doris wintered in Panama City Beach, Florida and enjoyed traveling on Pilgrimages. Special to them were the trips to the Passion Play in Germany, the Holy Land, and several trips to Medjugorje, Rome and other European and US religious sites. They took many cruises throughout the years, but especially enjoyed the two with their family.
Larry is survived by his wife Doris of 64 years; two children, Sheryl “Sheri” Mastalish and Gary (Barbara) Mastalish; five grandchildren, Jacqueline (Adam) Marciulionis, Dr. Christina Sarosiek, Jacob (Kelly) Sarosiek, Michael Mastalish, and Alexander Mastalish; three great grandchildren, Jackson Marciulionis, Logan Marciulionis and Eli Sarosiek; one brother, Raymond (Rich Lampley) Mastalish; sister-in-law, Carol Wasielewski (Stanley) and three nephews; his Aunt, Genny Kulczyski, several cousins and many friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Frank and Mary Menghini.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 2040 Hillside Lane, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Parish wake service 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday, at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Funeral Mass 11:30 a.m. Friday at the church. Military Honors will follow the Mass. Entombment will take place in the Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund will be established.
The family extends their sincere thank you, gratitude and appreciation to the nurses and staff at Oak Park Place, his PRN nurse and therapists, the doctors and cardiology doctors and nurses at Aurora Health Care for their constant care and compassion. Also, for the care and love shown by the Heidelberg Court neighbors who were always there to help. And to our St. Bernard family who always provided us with much needed prayers and support.
Alex Bahrke is serving the family.