Larry Allen Oerkfitz

Larry Allen Oerkfitz of Harvard, IL passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026, at the age of 78.

Larry was born on August 11, 1947, in Algonquin, IL the son of Clarence and Margaret (Ehrke) Oerkfitz.

After graduating from Crystal Lake High School, Larry was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served in Vietnam. Upon returning to civilian life, he built a career in manufacturing, including his work at AFE Silgan.

On July 21, 1973, Larry married Helen Elaine Burton at Trinity Lutheran Church in Harvard, IL. He was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and enjoyed cooking, baking, singing, gardening, and watching the Hallmark Channel. He was known for creating extraordinary cakes for birthdays, weddings, graduations, and anniversaries. Larry was active in 4-H and loved participating in the fair, especially sheep shearing and preparing exhibits that showcased the beautiful flowers he cultivated in his garden. Always willing to lend a hand, Larry cared deeply for his family and treasured time spent with his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

Larry is survived by his wife Helen; his sons Chad (Melissa), Josh (Toni), and Nick (Ashley); his grandchildren Riley, Justin, Bentley, Sydney, and Brody Oerkfitz; sister Judy Pfingsten of Monroe, WI; sisters-in-law Marilyn Oerkfitz of Crystal Lake, IL, Pat Oerkfitz of Crystal Lake, IL, Donna Oerkfitz of Woodstock, IL; brother-in-law Everett Burton of Elkhorn, WI; sister-in-law Betty Drafz of Florida; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous cherished friends.

He was reunited in death with his parents Clarence and Margaret, brothers Ronald, Gerry, and Doug Oerkfitz, sister Sharon Iverson, brother-in-law Don Iverson, and grandson Royce Oerkfitz.

Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 PM on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St., Harvard, IL 60033. Additional visitation time will be from 10 AM until the 11 AM funeral service at Trinity Lutheran Church, 504 E. Diggins St., Harvard, IL 60033. Interment to follow at Mt. Auburn Cemetery.

Larry’s family would like to thank the staff at Alden Terrace of McHenry for the compassionate care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Larry’s honor to the Music Ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.saundersmcfarlin.net

For more information, call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home at 815-943-5400.