Lawrence Hussli
Maryville |
Lawrence "Larry" Hussli, often known as “Pepper man”, 80, passed away on Friday, January 7, 2022, at Barnes Hospital. Larry was born on March 20, 1941, to Joseph and Florence (Rodel) Hussli in Beaver Dam, WI.
He graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1959. As a young man, he spent five months traveling through Europe on a motor scooter with a friend. He then served in the United States Army as a signal man from October 1963 to 1965.
He married Kim Derleth, with whom he had two beautiful daughters, Heather and Heidi Hussli.
Larry was a natural-born salesman, beginning his career in sales at the age of fourteen working at Three Sisters. Later he worked at Liser and Maier, eventually becoming co-owner. When he retired, he moved to the Edwardsville area where he operated a Tropical Sno shop for several years.
In addition to talking, Larry had two passions. He is famous for continuing his family’s tradition of growing Hungarian hot peppers, which was started in 1912. His grandfather, Joseph Hussli, brought the seeds with him when he immigrated from Hungary. It was not unusual for Larry to plant 300 to 500 pepper plants. He readily shared the plants and the peppers with anyone who was interested. His second passion was golfing. After moving south, it was not unusual for him to golf 300 days a year. He made many good friends while golfing, and always challenged himself to get better.
Larry is survived by the love of his life, Mary May, his daughter, Heather Hussli, his son-in-law, whom he called son, Amir Nouri, his grandson, Kurosh Nouri, his brother David Hussli and many cousins and a multitude of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger daughter, Heidi.
Larry, “Pepper man” Hussli never knew a stranger and enjoyed life to its fullest. He will be missed by many.
His family will have a Celebration of Life at a future date, when family and friends can gather safely, to honor this wonderful man.
Memorials may be made to Partners for Pets and will be received at Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062. Donations can either be mailed or dropped off at the funeral home.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at barrywilsonfuneralhome.com
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