Lawrence C. “Larry” Havel, Jr., many knew him as Junior or Animal, age 88, of Fairview Heights, IL, born on October 5, 1936, in Belleville, IL., died peacefully at home on Monday, March 17, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Larry was an Honorably Discharged United States Army Veteran. He was a member of Operating Engineers Local #520 and started his career in 1964, with George F. Smith in St. Louis, MO. He ended his career and retired as an operating engineer for L. Keeley Construction in Sauget, IL. He loved his job and operating his Bobcat. Larry was a former member of Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church and later St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church in St. Louis, MO.
He was an avid collector of antiques and memorabilia, loved parades, picnics, meat shoots, auctions, and estate sales. He also was a NASCAR fan with Richard Petty and Ryan Newman being his favorite. Larry was special, he was there for everyone and anyone that needed him. He loved life, his family, and his friends. Larry will greatly be missed by all that knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Emma, nee Krautsieder, Havel, Sr.; his grandson, Lawrence M. Havel; and his siblings, Jean Carey and Norman Havel.
Larry is survived by his wife, Norma Jean, nee Rick Havel; his children, Lawrence D. (Brenda) Havel of New Castle, IN, Paula (John) Toenjes of Fairview Heights, IL., and Deanne L. Havel (Mike Johnson) of Pocahontas, IL; his grandchildren, Lindsey M. Toenjes of Fairview Heights, IL, Joshua E. Toenjes of Pasadena, CA, Amanda Lance of Highland, IL, and Cody Lance of Collinsville, IL; his sister, Lorraine Vernier of Shiloh, IL., and his 10 grandpups that he cherished. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces that he adored.
Memorials are preferred to Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E #664) or to Moose Lodge #1221.
A Celebration of Larry’s Life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Fairview Heights Elk’s Club, 9480 Old Lincoln Trail, Fairview Heights, IL., starting at 1:00 p.m.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 7:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fairview Heights, IL. All are welcome.
