Plant a tree in memory of Larry
An environmentally friendly option
9 tree(s) planted in memory of Larry Tobin
Loading...
T
3 trees were planted in memory of Larry Tobin
Sunday, December 19, 2021
3 trees were planted in memory of
Larry Tobin
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/premium-tree-bg.jpg
Please wait
U
UWEC Family planted 5 trees in memory of Larry Tobin
Saturday, December 18, 2021
5 trees were planted in memory of
Larry Tobin
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/premium-tree-bg.jpg
May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. Love, Carly, Mandy, Dunbar, Josh, Karen, Craig, Keetra, Steve and families. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
S
Sally S Peterson posted a condolence
Sunday, December 26, 2021
I know Kathy will recall what kind of man I thought Larry was. Meeting his Maker would certainly be an interesting exercise in Larry's editorial skills.
M
MW Wurl posted a condolence
Monday, December 20, 2021
In his obituary, we learned of Larry's long and fierce loyalty to Wisconsin Newspaper Association, often stating that it was his introduction to that organization that brought all the best things to his life. And by that, first, foremost, and forever, he meant Kathy.
The Wisconsin Newspaper Association was established in 1853, and in 1985 Larry was inducted for his dedication to the Newspaper Association, its Board and its Foundation, and his work to improve the Better Newspapers Contest. His peers commended him, stating his legacy will give back to the newspaper industry for years to come.
The list of inductees is a short one, and includes many of Larry and Kathy's contemporaries:
• Palmer Sondreal, Amery Free Press 1943-2007
• William Behling, Rhinelander Daily News 1973-1982
• Donald Walker, Lakeland Times 1958-2006. Don's son, Gregg, now publishes The Times and The River News in Rhinelander and is a WNA president
• John B. Torinus, Sr., Green Bay Press-Gazette, Appleton Post-Crescent. He was Secretary-Treasurer of the Packers, serving in the position during the post-Lambeau 1950s stock sale that saved saved the franchise
• William Evjue, The Capital Times 1917-1970 (born in Merrill). He earned a national reputation for his hard-hitting editorials. In his front page “Hello Wisconsin” column, he routinely printed the salaries of big bankers and corporate executives to draw attention to disparities in earnings. He was one of the first to take on Sen. Joe McCarthy and his anti-Communist smear crusade.
• Bill Branen, Burlington Standard Press 1951-1988, Larry's father-in-law.
I'd like to draw some parallels between Larry and to another Wisconsin Newspaper Association Hall of Fame inductee, one he could not have known, but one from whom he would have drawn inspiration for his own newspaper aspirations.
His name is William Dempster Hoard.
Hoard moved to Wisconsin just before the Civil war where he served in the 4th infantry. After the war, he earned income selling pumps in the summer, giving music lessons in the winter, and writing articles for several local papers and farm magazines.
He took his family to Lake Mills, up the Rock River and up Rock Creek from the city of Jefferson where Larry and Kathy owned their first newspaper Jefferson Banner.
A required skill set for a newspaper publisher is a knack for innovation.
Lake Mills didn’t have a newspaper, so he started one: The Jefferson County Union. Hoard solicited writers from nearby towns to fill his pages and appeal to rural readers. His was the first local correspondent system in American news-papering. In the 1870s, more than 80 percent of the population was dependent on farming. At the time, Wisconsin’s agriculture was highly dependent on wheat and small fruits. Hoard’s Union newspaper was dependent on those very farmers to survive.
News never sleeps. The newspaper business takes commitment.
Hoard's readers -- those wheat farmers -- suffered losses where successive the harsh winters started killing fruit trees, and wheat crops were leaching nutrients from the glacial soils. His readers were abandoning farms to move toward the plains.
Operating a newspaper takes savvy. Hoard had a financial decision.
He knew that manure from dairying had kept soils robust in his native New York state, and steady income from dairy was a good way to avoid the roller-coaster world of grain prices. His writing as an advocate for dairy made his paper "a popular necessity” and changed Wisconsin's agricultural history and established our America's Dairyland identity.
Newspapers educate the public. Hoard's columns did just that.
• He promoted scientific dairying and farmer education
• He advocated high standards for the dairy industry
• He used newspaper columns to encourage converting to dairying
• He taught how to implement better farming practices.
When called to action, newspapers are a bully pulpit.
Hoard was in demand as a speaker throughout the state and would thunder against the competing economic forces standing in the way of dairy farming.
Publishing has power when – and only when -- it speaks the truth.
Wisconsin’s economics start to swing back. By the 1880s, Hoard's campaign and the Union had spread beyond Wisconsin. Hoard started a new weekly publication, Hoard’s Dairyman, which today more than 140 years later, is published and read by 95 percent of America’s milk producers and has subscribers in 85 foreign countries.
In 1888, the Milwaukee Sentinel campaigned to draft Hoard for to run for Governor as the “Cow Candidate”. He won easily won and served a single two-year term. Hoard’s election is generally considered the start of Wisconsin’s Progressive tradition of "just enough government." He changed the underpinnings of Wisconsin’s economy, and pushed forward the movement to open government to the average citizen.
Hoard's writing played a prominent role in the development of the School of Agriculture at UW which attracts students from around the globe. As governor he established the nation's first Dairy and Food Commission to defend consumers against food contamination. Out of office he promoted the eradication of tuberculosis to free dairy herds from heavy health losses and to protect humans from milk-borne illnesses.
All this from a small weekly newspaper publisher and the columns he authored. The newspaper survives today.
100 years later in Tomahawk, there were different economic forces, complex business decisions, unanticipated calls to action, and a new hand on the tiller.
Tomahawk's newspaper legacy started prior incorporation of the city, ran through the Osborne Brothers, grew with the Keenan family in charge, then transformed and modernized with Larry and Kathy.
Like Hoard, the Leader brought on a cast of contributing writers.
• Gene Seipp as an outdoor sportsman
• Alan Bell as a naturalist
• Several sports writers, including Jim Lund, Tom Colstad, Kathy, yours truly
• My late mother as an occasional local historian
• Mark Gaedtke as a humorist
Operating a newspaper takes savvy. Any change comes with an element of risk, and a publisher has to weigh the value of what's old and what's new.
Larry and Kathy maintained the popular summer supplement, the Green Sheet, hiring journalism students to entertain, inform, and bring a new perspective to Tomahawk in the summer.
Larry quickly made connections within the business community and forged lasting friendships. A select few -- Rick Grube and Mark Everett come to mind -- became comic foils in Larry's writing.
The Leader was an early adopter of desktop publishing technologies, rolling-out Macintosh computers in a cost-saving effort. Kudos to Kathy's brother, Bob, for the foresight to adapt to change and choosing the right equipment to do the job.
The Leader was one of the first newspapers anywhere to have an on-line presence in the advent of the internet thanks to a college freshman, his son, Kerry.
Larry and Kathy developed and instituted a Total Market Coverage circulation instrument, the Leader Two, bringing in new advertising opportunities and revenues to the region.
Newspapers educate the public. Larry was adamant that the Leader cover the any meetings involving City Hall, the Lincoln County Board, the school district, and quasi-public meetings like the Conservation Congress.
Accurate and timely reporting on the business of the people creates an informed populace who in turn are given space to articulate their own sentiments in public forums like Letters to the Editor / Publisher, and are free to express themselves in free and fair elections.
That's what a Democratic Republic looks like.
During Larry's tenure, the Leader brought us and depth of analysis for big news stories:
• The formation and expansion of TIF districts
• Mill tragedy
• Harley expansion
• GP tear down
• New neighborhood development
• Tomahawk as a Main Street Community;
• Murder, methamphetamine and opioids.
The Leader also brought us our stories:
• Births and deaths
• Promotion and coverage of community events: The Harley rally; Pow-Wow days; Main Street Memories; Music by the River; Thrilla on the Grilla; Venison Feed; Graduations; Celebratiion of new business openings.
These are the chronicles of our collective history … how we measure time.
And time can be fleeting.
Sometimes it's our time. Our time to shine. Our time to shine the light on others. Our time to create the community we want to live in, and share.
And only once, our time is up. We heed the call. We pray the time we had was enough to lead a life of grace, and trust, and to make a contribution that will endure after we're gone.
Therein lies the beauty of the newspaper business.
The newspaper is the permanent record. Pastor Mark Ziemer wrote, "Courage to speak truth is the greatest public service one can do when backed by one's living it out. Thank you Larry! We may not always have agreed with you, but you got us all thinking. Tomahawk and journalism are better because of you."
And that enduring sentiment is the essence of a life well lived.
J
Jolene Calhoun-Turner posted a condolence
Saturday, December 18, 2021
What a beautiful obituary. I could honestly feel the love in reading it. Kathy, I am so very sorry for the loss of Larry. You and the kids have been on my mind. Sending heartfelt sympathies.
M
Mark & Claudia Ziemer posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Love is the greatest act and mark of a person. Courage to speak truth is the greatest public service one can do when backed by one's living it out. Delight in God's creation is the greatest gift we can share and model for the next generation. Thank you Larry! We may not always have agreed with you, but you got us all thinking. Tomahawk and journalism are better because of you. To you, Kathy, thank you for walking together. Keep living fully. Our prayers and sympathy are with you. Kerry and Kelly, even in your grief, may we all join your families to claim and live the love, service and adventure of your parents..
M
Mark Gaedtke posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Larry was an integral part of our morning coffee crew. I'm going to miss his feisty wit. Grateful to have shared many good times. Sending love to Kathy and the family.
M
Mary Lu Voermans posted a condolence
Monday, December 13, 2021
My sincere condolences to Kathy and family. Larry will leave a void that can never be replaced. May he Rest In Peace.
J
Jennifer & Jake Ruid posted a condolence
Monday, December 13, 2021
Kathy & Family,
I was so very saddened to hear of this great loss. Although Larry was an integral member of our community, it was clear to all who knew him that his greatest joy came from all of you. I am so very sorry, and you are all in my prayers.
Blessings,
Jennifer & Jake Ruid
T
Tammy & Luke lit a candle
Monday, December 13, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle.png
Kathy and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. We will miss his story's and wit regarding so many topics of conversation. May the memories you have bring you comfort in these difficult days ahead. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Luke & Tammy
G
Gene Lanou posted a condolence
Monday, December 13, 2021
Kathy and family, Sue and I are sadden to hear of Larry's passing. Just thinking of how many cups of coffee I, John and Larry shared. Lots of fun and sparring went on. Sending thoughts and prayers. Gene and Sue.
A Memorial Tree was planted for Larry Tobin
Monday, December 13, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Krueger Family Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
L
The family of Larry Tobin uploaded a photo
Monday, December 13, 2021
/tribute-images/1578/Ultra/Larry-Tobin.jpg
Please wait
Saturday
18
December
Visitation
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Saturday, December 18, 2021
Grace Lutheran Church
111 W Washington Avenue
Tomahawk, Wisconsin, United States
Need Directions?
Saturday
18
December
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Saturday, December 18, 2021
Grace Lutheran Church
111 W Washington Avenue
Tomahawk, Wisconsin, United States
Need Directions?
Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event
Ongoing
Online Event
About this Event
In Loving Memory
Larry Tobin
1946 - 2021
Look inside to read what others have shared
Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book.
About Us
The families we serve know that the Krueger Family Funeral Home Difference is what sets us apart from all other funeral and cremation providers in our area. We work so hard for you because your satisfaction and healing is what matters most. We are here for you when you need us the most.
Contact Us
101 North Second Street
Tomahawk, Wisconsin
54487
Telephone: (715) 453-3808
Fax: (715) 453-5085
Email: kruegerfamilyfuneral@gmail.com
[Get Directions]