Larry Bakanec

Jan 11, 1946 - Mar 18, 2016 (Age 70)

Larry was a long time member of IL-X until its dissolution in January 2016 when he, along with the remaining members, joined our chapter.

Obituary

Larry Bakanec, 70, of Winthrop Harbor (27 years), formerly of Waukegan, was born Jan. 11, 1946, in Waukegan, and passed away March 18, 2016, in Kenosha, WI. Larry lived and loved life to the fullest. As an avid skier and sailor, Larry remained grounded racing his Corvettes and then his love of two wheels. A powerful athlete in his youth, he was a great golfer, huge fan of NASCAR and all the Chicago sports teams.

As a Lake County Forest Preserve Ranger, Larry was invited to join the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club (Blue Knights) and remained a member more than thirty years. After almost forty years, Larry retired from the Lake County Forest Preserve as Director of Risk Management. One of his major accomplishments was co founder of the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), offering summer jobs and training to county teens. His commitment to the community also included several years of service as a board member for the Waukegan YMCA.

As a devoted husband to Debbie, father to Brett (Jessamyn) and Allison, and grandfather to Matthew, Larry was a loving, kind, caring anchor. Always with warm humor and a no-holds barred sense of honesty and integrity. He will be deeply missed by family and friends. He is survived by his brothers, Kenneth (Margaret) and Ronald (Marni), and was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Loretta (nee Schriner) Bakanec.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 26, 10 a.m. until noon service at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N. Cemetery Road, Gurnee. Interment Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Diabetes Association, or your favorite charity, would be Larry's wish.