Lawrence "Larry" Ward Whisker Sr.

Lawrence “Larry” Ward Whisker, Sr., 86, of Bradford passed away peacefully on Friday, August 1, 2025 at OSF St. Anthony Hospital in Rockford, IL with his family by his side.

Larry was born on June 1, 1939 in Milo Township the only son of Ward Robert and Ruth Pauline (Sturm) Whisker. He was raised on the family farm on the west side of Bradford. He remained a lifelong resident of Bradford.  Bradford is a place that he loved and where he made many cherished friendships.

Larry followed a passion for mechanics and took pleasure in assisting others with mechanical repairs. After graduating from Bradford High School, Larry and his good friend Larry Fansler started Larry’s Standard Service Station in Bradford where they worked together throughout the 1960’s. He later parted ways with the business and took a position at Gustafson Ford in Galva as an auto mechanic before owning and operating an Amoco Cropmate Fertilizer Plant in Bradford where he thoroughly enjoyed helping farmers with their crops.

His favorite hobby was restoring antique John Deere Lawn Tractors. He liked classic cars and country music. Larry enjoyed traveling and fishing, but most of all he loved spending time with his family and friends.

In his 20’s Larry was a volunteer firefighter in Bradford and later volunteered with the Bradford Rescue Squad for several years after retirement.

He is survived by his two children, Laurie (Alex) Horvat of Antioch, IL , and Larry Whisker Jr. of Decatur, IL and three grandchildren, Michael, Holly and Logan Horvat. He is also survived by his former wife Marie (Hufnagel) Bennison.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Bradford. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Bradford with Pastor Dan Wright officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Bradford Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Bradford Fire Department.