Larry Michael Brainard, age 83, Lincoln, passed away Sunday, January 30, 2022 in Lincoln. He was born to Edwin and Beatrice (Ferguson) Brainard in Omaha on May 20, 1938. Larry attended Beatrice High School, wanting to go into the service, he joined ROTC. His mother signed off for him to join the United States Navy at sixteen years of age, a scrawny kid, barely weighing 112 lbs.
Larry M. Brainard CVA42 served on the U.S.S. Franklin K. Roosevelt, the second largest vessel in the world, performing nine peacetime European cruises. The stories he told of the experience when the Roosevelt rounded Cape Horn in 1954 enroute to Puget Sound Navel Shipyard. Larry was a proud American flying the flag even when it was not popular, always a flag in his business window.
Larry started his business, Brainard’s Heating and Air Conditioning, in his garage in 1970. His interest for horses led to the Paint Association with family in tow, they won most of the awards showing horses. He rode security on his horse at the state fair for many years and in 1993 he changed to another horse that gave him the title of “Wagon Master” . He held the V.P. office for Frontier Harley Davidson Club. He served on the Fire Board in Waverly for many years and is associated with the Waverly Fire Department and Waverly V.F.W. Post #9875.
He is survived by his wife Jeri Brainard, Lincoln; daughter and son-in-law Valerie and P.J. Ceglia, Waverly; daughter Karla Brainard, Texas; son Michael Brainard, Waverly; step-son David Kaslon, Ord; brother and sister-in-law Patrick and Joyce Brainard, Wisconsin; grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by step-son Jay Kaslon and step-daughter Carrie Kaslon.
Mass of Christian Burial, 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 4, 2022, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 6111 Morrill Avenue, Lincoln. A reception will be held at the Waverly Community Center. Condolences may be left at trumpmemorials.com. Trump Funeral Services, 1600 West “O” Street, Lincoln.
Larry was a great guy !! I really enjoyed working with him on HVAC projects. It is hard to remember a time when he did not have a smile on his face. Everyone will miss him a lot !!
My deepest sympathy to the family. He was a fantastic business neighbor to me for 40 some years and when I went to work early it was OK as I knew Larry was there. Thank you, Larry for the friendship, support, and the laughs. You will be miss.
Got to visit with Larry a couple of weeks ago as he was leaving his shop… We talked about the Restaurant closing and the 46 years he had been coming to the Restaurant.. To lift me up a little… Larry said… Jim, things happen for a reason.. Nothing just happens… There’s a new chapter in your life… Everything’s going to be all right… I’ll miss Larry a lot… Prayers to his family…
Sad to hear, Barbara and I enjoyed all of our encounters with Larry and Jerry. Always smiles and a good word, we shared quite a number of volunteer chores with them as members of Frontier HOG. They were always ready to lend a helping hand, regardless what the project was. We lost touch years ago, but we remember him well!
To all of Larry’s family, friends, neighbors, business clients and associates, I extend my condolences. Every time I stopped to see him he would set me down for a friendly visit. We can all count knowing Larry as a blessing.
I’m so saddened by this news. Larry was our neighbor. Such a personable guy. He and I would visit about our horse boarding business. Some of our horse pens would be at the fence line dividing our properties. Larry always enjoyed rubbing our horses. Larry was always smiling at me everytime we were both out. Larry would listen to me after Dad passed. I will dearly miss his smile and our conversations. Our deepest sympathy to Jeri and family. Ride high Larry.
K/B Stables
This is such sad news for us and the Waverly community. Whenever we stopped at the office he was always asking how we were doing. If we needed to have something fixed or replaced we were always confident in his judgement. Our sympathy to Jeri and all the family.
THE WAGON MASTER and us spent many many happy miles together. always a laugh and a story. we were with him when he earned his nickname and on many Hog Club activities. condolences to all his family.
Val,
I am so sorry for your loss. Keep those awesome memories flooding to your heart.
Cyndy
We are heartbroken to lose such a great friend, patriot and man of honor who influenced our lives with unmeasurable laughter, integrity and untold ways he never knew. Happy Trails to our Wagon Master, in our hearts and memories forever. Robert Zavesky and Patty Ann Reifschneider
Valerie: So very sorry for your loss.
You father lived a full and wonderful life !
Lisa Schleiger
My deepest sympathies to the Brainard Family. Larry was always kind and generous. We always had a laugh, amazing conversations and he treated me as his own. I will always remember his smile and ability to make you laugh.
Our deepest sympathies to the Brainard family. We got to know Larry through the HOG Club. Very nice man and he will be greatly missed. Richard & Marcine Pullman
Prayers and sympathy to Larry’s family and closest friends. Larry will be missed not only as a friend but a friend to the community. Larry loved his hometown and the people who lived here. When we started the rescue squad in early 80s, any member could go to him with concerns or problems and he was always there for us. One could enjoy coffee and visiting with Larry any morning at HoneyCreek, and catch up on the goings on. I miss those mornings. God’s speed Larry.
What a great friend. We rode many miles together and he always had a smile on his face and a funny story to tell. He and Jeri did so much for the local Harley-Davidson community. He will be greatly missed by all of us.
Today I have mixed feelings, I am saying goodbye to my next door neighbor of 30 +years
Im sad because I was not ready to say goodbye to Larry so soon ,
I’m joyful to know He is in a better place with family and friends that have been waiting for him to get home, I bet there is a heck of a party going on up there!
Im going to miss our talks in Larry’s barn , solving all the word’s problems , sitting on lawn chairs enjoy a cool beverage or two.
Larry & Jeri have always been wonderful neighbors , we will miss Larry very much
Our deepest sympathy to the Brainard Family. We have fond memories in the forty two years we have lived in Waverly. It was a lot of fun bidding at house auctions with Larry. He would ask if I was done, His grand children needed new shoes. Larry will b greatly missed by all that knew him.
Wishing Jeri and the entire Brainard family comfort and peace during this time of loss. We will always remember Larry as one of the nicest people we ever met. Such a kind, gentle and always smiling man. He touched so many lives in the very best way. Ride free Larry.