Larry C. McNurlin, 73, closed his eyes in death on April 28th, 2019 after an extended battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s disease.  Larry was born June 4, 1945 to Leonard and Fern McNurlin. His appointed days resembled his garden; filled with fruitful experiences, countless lessons, some weeds, and a bountiful harvest.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Marilynn Joanne (nee Adolphson) McNurlin along with three children; Thomas McNurlin and his wife Kim of Tucson, AZ; Julia McNurlin Reed and her husband Eric of Lancaster, PA; and Amanda Raquel McNurlin McCarthy and her husband Ryan of Hudson, WI.  Additionally, a step son, Scott Maleska and his wife Helen Maleska of Farmington, MN.  Larry had eleven grandchildren: Taylor Reed Mulaj (Gjergj), Jacob Reed, Lauren Reed, Nicholas McCarthy, Joshua Reed and Samuel McCarthy, Nicole (Ryan) Schleicher, Austin Nieland, Brooke (Taylor) Watts, Kelly Maleska and Beth Maleska; great grandchildren: Gjergj Mulaj, Gavin Schleicher, and Nora Watts; sisters: Joan Gamble of Anoka, MN and Fern (Robert) Kelly of Ocean Springs, MS; brother-in-law, Bruce Emerson of Blaine, MN; his feline companion, Gus. Larry was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Fern McNurlin; sister, Sandra Emerson and brother-in-law, Dave Gamble.

Larry’s life was marked by the evidence of hard work; a man who always planned for a job and knew a job was not finished until it was finished.  He tended to those things that were under his care.  He served honorably in the Naval Reserves; serving as a Flight Engineer on a Lockheed P2V Neptune executing the Anti-Submarine Warfare mission during the Vietnam era.  His service in the Navy along with his 39 year career at Northwest Airlines, as a Manager of Maintenance, allowed him the opportunity to work and serve in aviation; blending together his love for aviation and his life’s work.  His career at Northwest used his gifts of leadership and problem solving to launch aircraft, ensuring safety at all times.  His service in the Navy along with his career at Northwest also produced a harvest of deep and meaningful relationships that spanned his lifetime.  

Larry’s work ethic and competitive nature meant he pursued his leisure activities with the same persistence.  Whether this was golfing, flying, hunting, fishing, wood-working, gardening or bee-keeping; he would pursue his endeavors with excellence.  This, at times, may have exhausted those around him who were interested in pursuing a hobby at a more leisurely pace.  His children may or may not still be irritated about the summer that had to help harvest two thousand pounds of honey; still trying to figure out why a family of five could possibly need a literal ton of honey. 

His varying talents were always used to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.  His willingness to serve his neighbors, church, and community resulted in many long-time friendships.  His service to others produced a bountiful harvest in his own life.  Larry’s life was most importantly marked by his love for His Savior; he knew that his only hope in life and in death was that which is best answered by the Heidelberg Catechism: That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who, with his precious blood, hath fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at First United Methodist Church – Cumberland. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, May 6 at the Skinner Funeral Home in Cumberland, and for 1 hour prior to the service at the church. There will be a time for prayers and sharing stories at 6:30 on Monday evening. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery - Cumberland, WI. Military honors will be accorded by Anderson-Thomson Post #98 American Legion, Cumberland.

The family would like to bless those who have blessed us.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Mayo Hospice of Northwest Wisconsin 1221 Whipple St., Eau Claire, WI 54703.

Skinner Funeral Home of Cumberland is serving the family.

Last Update: May 02, 2019 6:23 am CDT