Lawrence "Larry" Mcgrogan

Lawrence "Larry" J. McGrogan, 80, of Ottawa passed away Saturday, October 27, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 Friday, November 2, 2018 at St. Columba Church with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. His visitation will be 3:00 - 7:00 Thursday, November 1, 2018 at Ottawa Funeral Home. He will be buried in St. Columba Cemetery.

Larry was born February 8, 1938 in Ottawa, Illinois to Herbert and Cecelia (Pillion) McGrogan. He married Bonnie Burton July 7, 1962 at St. Columba Church.

In 1963, on the west side of Ottawa, Larry McGrogan opened the infamous Handy Foods. Throughout the past 56 years, Larry has left a footprint in many people’s lives by showing his pride and gratefulness for the Ottawa community. With his wife Bonnie by his side, Larry brought a bright and joyful light to the community. If the loveable man dressed in one of his novelty ties, rainbow-colored shirts, and of course, a pair of suspenders, didn’t bring a smile to your face; then his contagious, belly rumbling laugh would. His hand was always out with a smile and a welcoming shake to all those who crossed his path. Children knew they could always count on Larry to share a piece of candy, or a smiley-face cookie when they came into the store.

If he wasn’t spending time at Handy Foods, Larry could always be found serving the community on many boards, and charity organizations. Every Sunday you would find him in attendance at St. Columba for 9 AM mass. At other times, you could find him delivering groceries to homes, helping those who were unable to make it to the store. Every Spring Larry would again brighten Ottawa with his hoop house and beautiful flowers; showing us all his green thumb. He also had a joy in supporting Marquette and took a lot of pride in his Crusaders!

Larry loved his family! He would always be ready to bring a smile to your face with either a joke, or ice cream for little Avery. He was an avid fisherman and spent much time with his friends and family in Minnesota and Canada, hooking a lifetime of unforgettable memories and adventures. Larry will be missed, but his light will always continue to shine down on his Ottawa family.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, his brother Don, mother-in-law Ann Burton, his three children: Mike (Barb) McGrogan, Karen (Chico) Corsolini, and Beth Melvin, 6 grandkids Celeste (Tyler), Zac (Sebby), Chris, Bailey, Nathan, and Nick, and great- granddaughter, Avery McGrogan.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Herb McGrogan and Cecil (Vern) Donahue; father-in-law, Art Burton; and his sister-in-law, Jolene McGrogan.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Rogowski, Bob Durdan, Dennis Batistini, Tom Paquette, Frank Markey, Dave Maubach, John Polen, and Jim Mathias.

Memorials may be directed to St. Columba Church or Marquette Academy.