World War II ended in Europe in May 1945. It was over in the Pacific in August and Lawrence Joseph Stopper was born on July 14th in Stevens Point, WI. His mom always said, "he was born between war and peace". Larry later served as a member of the US Air Force during the Vietnam War, but lived his life giving peace and love to others until his death on January 12, 2017 at the age of 71 following a long illness. His parents were Adolph and Agnes (Hoffman) Stopper. After his dad returned from service in WWII the family bought a home in West Allis, Wisconsin. Soon after they added a baby sister, Helene, whom Larry loved and fearlessly protected.

Larry was an energetic kid, always surrounded by friends. If he wasn't tossing a football, a baseball or playing ice hockey he was working part-time as a paperboy, in the neighborhood butcher shop or picking summer crops. He served as an altar boy at St. Mary Help of Christians Church, attended school there, and through these years remained in contact with his favorite teacher Sister Collean Walsh C.S.A. Later he attended and played football at West Milwaukee High School.

After graduation he enlisted in the US Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1968. Soon after he met the love of his life and forever best friend, Bonnie Corcoran. They married in June 1969. Throughout his academic life, he hated tests, but took one in 1970 that resulted in his twenty year career as an Officer in the White House Branch of the Uniformed Division of the U.S. Secret Service. Suitland, Maryland became their initial home. There Bonnie began what became 35 year middle school teaching career in Prince George County. They moved to Waldorf in 1978.

The pride they took in their work was never out matched by the pride they took in their son, Sean Michael, who was born in 1982. More joy, a grandson Seth, was added in 2006. Besides family, friends, and colleagues Larry's other loves were his annual family vacation on Lake Onalaska, WI, fishing, golf and the Green Bay Packers! All who knew Larry remember his stories, jokes and fact that it didn't matter to him if he looked silly in a party hat just as long as it made you laugh.

Larry is survived by his loving wife Bonnie, son Sean, grandson Seth, sister Helene and brother-in-law Bob Cross of Indianapolis, IN, brother-in-law Walt Mahlke of Winona, MN and many Wisconsin cousins and extended family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on January 24th at 11:00 AM at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, 100 Village Street, Waldorf. Burial will take place in Ettrick, WI at a future date. Gifts in Larry's memory can be made to the "Care of Senior Sisters Fund", The Congregation of Sisters of Saint Agnes 320 County K Road, Fond du Lac, WI 54937. csasisters.org. Cremation services were provided by Huntt Funeral Home, Waldorf, MD.