Laurence Calkins

   Laurence William Calkins, Jr. (Larry), age 93, of Sterling, IL, passed away on October 12, 2024 at home within the comfort and love of his family. Larry was born on January 30, 1931 in Chicago, IL to Laurence W. and Anita (Siebolt) Calkins. 

   Larry was raised by his grandparents and grew up working the farm near Milledgeville. He attended and graduated from Milledgeville HS. During high school he spent time at the skating rink in Sterling where he met the love of his life, Jeanette Over. They were married on October 24, 1954 in Sterling at the First Congregational Church. Larry was called to serve in the Army and they spent a two-year tour in Germany before returning to the Sterling area. He was employed by the Sterling Post Office and retired after 29 years as the Assistant Postmaster. A lifelong farmer, he also farmed their land near Milledgeville with the assistance of his wife, girls and favorite John Deere 4020. After retiring from farming and the Post Office, Larry enjoyed his hobbies of woodworking and flying his radio-controlled airplanes, time spent with his family and ballroom dancing with his beloved wife. 

  Larry is survived by his wife, Jeanette; daughters Diane (Pete) Micale of Sterling, Julie Duty of Mead CO, and Jan (Jerry) Wilding of Wildwood MO; grandchildren Nick (Codye) Micale, Andrew Duty, Sarah (Dave) Buesing, Matthew Duty, Larry Micale, Anna Micale, James Wilding, and Peter Wilding; great-grandchildren Parker, Ben and Andy Buesing, and Amelia and Bennett Duty.

  He was predeceased by their daughter, Nancy.

  Larry will be greatly missed by his family and they will cherish their memories of dancing, go-cart races, special summer projects for the grandchildren, and spending “Happily Ever After” at Disney World.

  Cremation rites have been accorded.

  Private services will be at a later date.