Larry L. Hart

Larry L. Hart, 80, passed away November 18, 2016 with his family and close friends by his side. His was a long, well-lived life. Larry was born in Belvidere September 12, 1936 to Emma and Ephraim Hart. He grew up on a farm with his two brothers, Vere and Wendell. He graduated from Belvidere High School in 1954, then spent two years in the Navy, serving on the CVN Shangri-La.

He was a retired lifetime member of Painters Local 607. In the late 60's-early 70’s, he and his partner Bob Mutimer owned Rockford Reliable Decorators. Larry and his first wife, Jan (Carr) had three kids, Mike, Lori, and Sue. The marriage ended, but the two remained friends their whole lives. In 1971 he met a cute waitress at the Stockholm Inn named Betty Rasmussen. They married and recently celebrated their 45th anniversary on August 28.

Larry was a car enthusiast who owned several classic vehicles, the last one being his 1960 Dodge Dart Phoenix convertible. Larry and Betty traveled throughout the U.S., spending time in 48 states. Some of their favorite places were the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, Florida, our national parks, and anywhere out west. They enjoyed camping in their pop-up, or even just out of the back of their truck, surprising fellow campers in their huge RVs. Larry was a history buff and read extensively about the Civil War. Each year for twelve years he donated a handmade dollhouse to the Rockford Toys For Tots Christmas drive. He was featured on the radio and got to be known as “The Dollhouse Man”.

Larry was truly family-oriented. He loved his wife Betty, and was proud of his kids and granddaughter, Traci. Alzheimer's may have brought him down, but it didn’t win. He never forgot who his family was. His life ended in peace and with dignity.

Survived by loving wife, Betty; son, Michael; daughters, Sue and Lori (Bruce) Piper; and granddaughter, Traci (Jeff Trost); brother Vere; and nieces, Ginger (Terry) Reninger, Rhonda (Dana) Farina, and Julie (Dan) Miller. Also survived by special relatives, Diane and Greg Lemoine, and Penny and Mark Hoffman; lifelong friend, Bob Parker; and furry companion, Minnie.

If you’d like to honor Larry’s life, memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter. Or just hug your dad and take him out for a beer.

Visitation from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, Wednesday, November 30, 2016 in Honquest Family Funeral Home, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park, followed by a memorial service at 6:30pm.  Afterwards join us for food and a peppermint schnapps toast at Larry’s favorite Railroad Tap, 902 9th Street, Rockford.

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