Lawrence W. “Larry” Hardyman, age 89, of rural Darlington, WI, passed away Monday, January 13, 2025, in Sun Prairie, WI. He was born March 29, 1935, on the family farm in Fayette Township in Lafayette County, WI, the son of Thomas and Vera (Cassidy) Hardyman. Lawrence grew up in Fayette on the family farm and attended Conelly School house in rural Fayette. He attended high school in both Blanchardville and Mineral Point, WI. Following high school, Lawrence worked in construction with Horace Van Matre until purchasing his family farm. He was united in marriage to Margaret Bigger on June 30, 1956, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington. Together, they farmed and raised their family and watched their grandchildren as they grew up, farming until he was in his 70’s.
Lawrence is survived by his wife Marjorie at home; his children: Bob (Melissa) Hardyman of Wilmington, NC, Rick (Becky) Hardyman of Darlington, Tim (Patty) Hardyman of Sun Prairie, WI, Kathy (Mark) Kuepers of Hazel Green, WI, Randy (Diane) Hardyman of Darlington, Patrick (Danielle) Hardyman of Darlington, and Jeff (Tawny) Hardyman of Darlington; 23 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way; his brother and sisters: Ethel Burghart of Texas, Raymond (Chris) Hardyman of Arizona, Judy (Sheldon) Isely of Eldridge, IA; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; great-granddaughters: Saylor Spalding and Elizabeth Hardyman; and his siblings: Marian Ingwell, Laverne Hardyman, Virginia Ostby, and Harold Hardyman.
Lawrence was a man of unwavering faith and dedication, a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, where he lived his Christian values with devotion and humility. He gave back to his community through his service on the Johnson Public Library Board for many years, fostering a love for learning and connection among its members.
Born into a family proud of their Irish heritage, Lawrence carried forward their legacy of hard work, resilience, and a sunny outlook on life. He found immense joy in life’s simplest pleasures-the smell of freshly cut grass on his perfectly maintained yard, the satisfaction of working with his hands in the soil of his beloved garden, and the heartwarming sound of his grandchildren laughing as they visited the farm. Lawrence cherished every moment spent cheering on the children and grandchildren at their sporting events, always their loudest supporter and biggest fan.
As a devoted husband, Lawrence was a pillar of strength and unwavering love for his wife. Their bond was one of enduring constancy, marked by a love that sparkled as brightly as the stars and as joyful as their spirited polka dances. He was her steadfast partner, always attentive, always ensuring her happiness with quiet strength and boundless care.
Golfing was a true passion for Lawrence, providing him with not only a connection to nature but also moments of reflection. On the greens, he found tranquility, a chance to celebrate life’s blessings, and a way to meet its challenges with grace.
Lawrence’s warmth, kindness, and steadfast love for his faith, family, and community leave a legacy that will forever inspire those who knew him. He lived a life rich with purpose, joy, and love: a life well-lived and deeply cherished.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 17, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet St., Darlington) with Fr. Thomas Coyle officiating. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery. A visitation will be held Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with a rosary being prayed at 2:30 P.M. and on Friday from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Johnson Public Library (131 E. Catherine St., Darlington) in Lawrence’s name.
