Larry Jay TenHaken

Larry Jay TenHaken, 81, of Minocqua, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Larry was born on August 2, 1943, to Erv and Pearl TenHaken in Sheboygan. He graduated from Oostburg High School in 1961 and attended Stout State University, earning a master’s degree in education.

He was united in marriage to Faye LeMahieu on August 21, 1965.

After 10 years of teaching on Long Island and Wausau, he answered the call of God to enter fulltime ministry. With faith and trust in God’s leading, he moved his family of five to St. Louis, Mo., where he graduated from Covenant Seminary in 1980. He served churches in Hudson, Fla. and Titonka, Iowa, ending his fulltime career at New Hope Community Church in Wausau. 

He had a shepherd’s heart that allowed him to provide love and compassion to those he served. He humbly considered it to be a privilege to serve as a pastor and whether it be to share in happy times, times of grief or VBS, he served with his whole heart, touching many lives in a special way.

His evangelism extended beyond his church family and led him on many mission trips, spreading the gospel while serving those he came in contact with in other countries. 

His passion for the unborn led him to be instrumental in the establishment of pregnancy resource centers in Wausau and Minocqua, as well as serving on their boards.

Larry was well known for his sense of humor, practical joking, and his contagious smile.

Larry’s love for the Lord reflected on the great man, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather he was. He loved nothing more than to be surrounded by his ever-growing family. His love and Christian leadership of his family will be lovingly remembered and missed.

Larry is survived by his wife, Faye; three children, Michael (Chelle) TenHaken, Melissa Mayer and Meredith (Roy) Melka; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mary Thuene, Marilyn TenHaken, Mary (Bill) Shaw, Doris (Arvin) Meerdink, Kay (Bob) Wilterdink, Donna LeMahieu and Rosemary LeMahieu.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Louis and Lenore LeMahieu; brothers, Keith TenHaken and Richard ‘Dick’ TenHaken and brothers-in-law, Dan LeMahieu and James LeMahieu and sister-in-law in infancy, Carol.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m, on Saturday, April 26, at New Hope Community Church, 229375 County Road J, Wausau, WI 54403. Rev. Tony Lombardo and Rev. Josh Reese will officiate. Burial will be in Forestville Cemetery, Town of Easton. Visitation will be on Friday, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the church, and again on Saturday, from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.

The family wishes to thank Compassus Hospice and Dr. Katherine Winiarczyk for their kind and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to New Hope Community Church, Wausau or North Life Church, St. Germain.