Larry John Klassy, 86, of New Glarus, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly in Monroe, Wisconsin on November 4, 2025 just hours after cheering on the UW Badgers Basketball team to victory. Born on June 18, 1939, in Monroe, Wisconsin, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose life reflected his love of family, farming, and community.

Larry was raised on the same family farm outside of New Glarus where five generations before him had worked the land since 1872. He grew up in the same house three previous generations lived in, including his parents Samuel and Wilma Klassy, and he carried forward their values of hard work, humility, and kindness. In August, Larry was honored at the Wisconsin State Fair with a Sesquicentennial Farm and Home Award, recognizing more than 150 years of continuous family ownership and stewardship of the Klassy farm—a source of immense pride for him and his family.

Through eighth grade Larry attended a one-room schoolhouse in Farmers Grove, just outside New Glarus. A former classmate once recalled, he loved to read so much that, after finishing every book the school owned, he began reading the encyclopedias. Later he graduated from New Glarus High School in 1957.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin's Farm and Industry Short Course, Larry farmed for many years raising dairy cows, hogs and crops. In 1975 Larry survived a tractor accident that nearly took his life. Eventually he retired from farming and moved into New Glarus with his beloved wife, Zenda. He married Zenda Louise (Wieser) Klassy on July 9, 1966, at the Swiss United Church of Christ in New Glarus, and together they shared 58 years of marriage, enjoying cruises and scenic drives throughout southern Wisconsin.

Larry later became a familiar face to generations of students as a bus driver for the Monticello and New Glarus school districts. His cheerful nature, patience, and friendly wave made him a favorite among the many children he transported safely each day.

Deeply proud of his Swiss heritage, Larry dedicated many years of service to the Swiss Historical Society, where he served as President of the Board of Directors at the time of his passing. He spent countless hours caring for the museum grounds—especially tending to the hostas—and giving guides to visitors from all over the world. A former 4-H leader, he shared his knowledge of agriculture and land judging with local youth, taking great pride when his daughter won the Green County Land Judging Contest in 1985. He also sold insurance in Green County and served two years on the New Glarus School Board and performed in the annual Wilhelm Tell play all of his adult life.

Larry loved sports and held season tickets to University of Wisconsin football and basketball games for many years. He rarely missed a Badger game and cheered passionately for the Packers and Brewers. He was also an avid card player who loved a good game of Euchre or Jass, often traveling around the county to join friends for a good game of cards. He will miss morning coffee with his friends at the Cenex station in New Glarus, where he was a familiar face.

Larry is survived by his four children, Todd Klassy of Kalispell, Montana; Amy (Bradley) Burdette of Verona, Wisconsin; Jeffrey Klassy of Belleville, Wisconsin; and Garrett (Lindsay) Klassy of Fresno, California. He is also survived by four grandchildren—Amber Burdette, Matthew Burdette, Brody Klassy, and Cade Klassy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Peter and Wilma Bertha (Pluss) Klassy; his sister, Marjorie F. (Klassy) Schnierer; and his wife, Zenda, who passed away in 2024.

Larry will be remembered for his warm smile, friendly conversations, love of family, and dedication to the land and the community he cherished.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025 at the Swiss United Church of Christ, 18 Fifth Ave., New Glarus, WI with Pastor Mary Gafner officiating.  Burial will be in the New Glarus Cemetery, New Glarus, WI.

A celebration of Larry's life will follow the funeral and burial services from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025 at Edelweiss Chalet Country Club, W4764 Edelweiss Rd., New Glarus, WI.

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting the family.