A Lifetime of Service: Honoring Larry Mosher

We are sad to announce the passing of VARC-founding father and former board member Larry Mosher on July 29, 2024. Larry was pivotal in forming VARC in 1975 and acted as a compassionate guiding hand on the board 47 years thereafter. His loss is deeply felt at VARC, and we would like to offer our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time.

"VARC lost a great friend a champion early this week," said President & CEO Elizabeth Filter in an internal communication dated July 31. "Many of you, especially in Viroqua, had the opportunity to get to know Larry over the years, as he often spent time in our office, on the work floor, and in day services. Larry was an exceptional leader in our community, a visionary board member, and a great friend to myself and many others... his vision will live on through our work at VARC and in the stories and successes that we share together."

His daughter Nancy was a contributing motivation that led to his efforts in helping to create VARC. She was born in 1958, and identified as being developmentally disabled at birth. In devising and constructing a loving place for his daughter to grow and eventually work, he made a place where many others could receive the same level of compassionate care and lifetime support. Nancy came to work at VARC in 1980 after graduating from Viroqua Area High School, continuing her employment there for 35 years. She lived in a number of VARC group homes, making friends and living out an independent and full social life in the greater Viroqua community.

A Life of Service

Larry Ray Mosher was born on June 27, 1929, to Gifford Ray Mosher and Jessie (Smith) Mosher in Richland Center, WI. He was raised in Vernon County, belonging to the Viroqua High School Class of 1947, then attending what is now known as the University of Wisconsin–Stout. From 1949 to 1972, Larry was a member of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, kicking off his lifelong habit of dedicating his time to the service of others. Around this period Larry met Jane Adams. They had their first date the day after she graduated from Onalaska High School in 1955, eventually marrying on July 7, 1956, in Onalaska, Wisconsin. Their union produced four children (Greta, Nancy, Lisa, and Carla), four grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

Returning to his alma mater, Larry was primarily a middle school guidance counselor from 1967 to 1990 at Viroqua Middle School. His kindness, patience, and ability to listen compassionately made a profound difference in the lives of the students he supported at school, leaving a lasting mark on their memories. A nearly endless stream of love for Larry poured out in the comments on the VARC social media post announcing his departure from VARC's board: “So many teenagers thought of you as a second father, and although we didn’t say it, we loved you for your kindness and understanding,” said Facebook user Robert Christenson. “Thank you for being there for young people who always needed your guidance growing up.”

Larry was the recipient of more than just the love and respect of his community. In 2008, the VAS School District honored Larry with his induction to the “Excellence in Education” wall of recognition for his roles as an industrial tech teacher, a guidance counselor, and a school board member. In 2022, VARC awarded Larry a Lifetime Achievement Award at his last board meeting in November.

We at VARC will miss Larry's kind presence in the board room, the day services rooms, and on the work floors. VARC will work hard to carry on Larry's compassionate legacy of championing those with disabilities, and to expand his vision of care and independence throughout VARC's fiftieth year and beyond.