Larry Lee “Pete” Hutchens, 77, of Ontario passed away Dec. 11, 2013, at his home.
He was born Jan. 16, 1936, to John and Hazel (Pitkin) Hutchens on the family farm outside of Ontario.
Pete was united in marriage to Betty Burdette March 20, 1954. He owned and operated Larry’s Citgo for 25 years and worked for Mathy Construction. Pete was a social guy and loved talking to people. He had a wicked sense of humor and seemed to know everyone. He enjoyed playing cards and fixing up old cars. He also participated in seasonal elk hunts in Colorado.
He is survived by his wife, Betty; his children, Bruce (Joan) Hutchens of Sparta, Linda (George) Flaig of Sparta, Lana (Jerome) Muellenberg of Norwalk, Deanna (Steve) Laufenberg of New Lisbon and Dean (Dave Parsons) of Mexico; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Fern (Douglas) Ferries of Ontario, Maxine (Merlin) Vieth of Norwalk, Ruth Rynes of Sparta and Kathy (Larry) Fletcher of Onalaska; a brother-in-law, Don Jones of Ontario; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Hazel, and a sister, Ruby Jones.
The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at Gundersen Health System and extend a special thank you to Teresa Clements for her extraordinary service and care during his extended illness.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 16, at Grace Community Church in Ontario. Pastor Bruce Milleman will officiate. Burial will follow at a later date in Hilltop Rest Cemetery, Ontario. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
