Larry Brelsford

Larry Alvin Brelsford, 74, of Newton, passed away and went to be with our Lord on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at his home. Born April 5th, 1947, he was the son of the late Milton and Laura Brelsford.

Larry was born to Milton and Laura Brelsford on a farm in southern Missouri where they toiled to meet the daily necessities of life. This environment shaped Larry’s value system and work ethic. There he learned to appreciate nature, community, teamwork, and commitment to a long-term goal. It was those goals that transitioned Larry to Northern Illinois immediately after graduating from high school to learn the drywall trade from his uncle Bill Volner in the early 1960s. After working long days hanging sheetrock, he attended community college in the evening to hone his communication and business skills. On the weekends he volunteered to work with other trades for free, just to broaden his industry knowledge and ability to help others. He rigorously worked to acquire journeyman level skills in several construction disciplines and quickly came to own his own construction business, which he ran in various capacities throughout his life. Larry worked for countless families to improve their quality of life and safety. He also freely shared his knowledge with anyone interested along the way.

In addition to his professional commitment, he loved his family with great passion. Moving to the western suburbs of Chicago brought more than professional opportunity to Larry. He was blessed (some say lucky) to meet Carole Hahn, soon after arriving. After she presented a reasonable level of resistance, Carole would become his wife for more than 56 years. Larry was a resolute Father to Brent, and Papa to Aurelia. When Brent, as a youngster, demonstrated a penchant for baseball, Larry built an MLB specified pitcher’s mound in the back yard and purchased a full compliment of catcher’s gear so they could throw game after game together. Brent still feels bad about the countless barrage of pitches in the dirt that his dad blocked with his shins and a smile. Larry did many things like this throughout his life to create opportunities for others.

In addition to his loving wife, Carole Brelsford; his son, Brent Brelsford; daughter-in-law, Issa Elmer; granddaughter, Aurelia Brelsford and brother, James Brelsford survive him. Many extended family members and friends survive him as well.

Larry loved competition. He was also a good cook. One of their favorite family traditions was an annual French Toast cooking competition between Larry and Brent on Aurelia’s birthday. After several contests, Larry was crowned the French Toast Champion by Aurelia. Brent remains in a state of protest, and believes he is paying the bill for all those pitches in the dirt…

Larry was a wonderful husband, mate, friend, confidant, helper, and support system. He had endless energy for others, and the family is heartbroken without him. They are also strong because of him and will continue living their lives in the way he taught them.

In addition to his parents, his beloved sister, Thelma Volner as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins preceded him in death.

The family will receive friends during a celebration of life gathering at a future date.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Larry’s name at www.stjude.org/donate. This organization does amazing work and was one of his favorites.

Please sign the online guestbook and share a story or two at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. We thank the Jenkins Funeral Home for assisting our family.