Lawrence Taff

Larry Taff

April 30, 1952 - March 5, 2025

Lawrence "Larry" Jacob Taff passed away unexpectedly on March 5, 2025, at the age of 72. Beloved and adoring husband of 44 years to Karen Ziegler Taff, proud father of Jacob (Kacey) and Jesse (Lindsey), uncle to Brad (Vanessa) Borchers, and doting grandfather to Calvin and Hazel.

Larry was born April 30, 1952, in Madison, WI, the son of Jim and Laura (Stauffacher) Taff. A graduate of Madison East High School Class of 1970, Larry went on to attend UW-Stevens Point in the Forestry Program. On July 26, 1980, Larry married the love of his life, Karen Ziegler Taff.

Larry spent his early years building homes and working with his father and brother, Denny, as Taff and Taff Builders. In the early Nineties Larry founded TZ of Madison, remodeling homes side by side with his son Jesse. Larry was passionate about work and the business he built. He was proud to have built the first passive solar house in Madison and to focus on Universal Design and aging in place. He was also a licensed real estate broker for over 40 years.

In recent years, Jesse took over the daily operations for TZ of Madison, with Larry always close by to consult, lend his professional advice, and maintain his cherished client and professional relationships. Larry loved to talk to people and help them in any way he could. He was active in community organizations, including as member and past president of NARI, the Optimist Club, and the Northside Business Association.

Larry loved life. He was quick to laugh and loved his family, friends, and Weimaraners. A true outdoorsman, Larry was more often than not found working and playing at the family farm in Rio with his Weimaraner, Hobbes, at his side. He loved gardening, cutting wood, hunting, mowing trails, trapping, fishing, and planting trees. He also enjoyed hunting mule deer and elk in New Mexico. Larry and Karen especially enjoyed boating together and playing euchre with friends Traci and Scott. A Badger and Packer fan, Larry proudly flew a Green Bay Packer flag outside the family home each game day.

In 2020, Larry lost his vision, but he never complained or let it get him down. Instead, he continued doing the things he loved, including daily walks, successful turkey and deer hunts, attending Calvin's hockey games, and was even known to make the perfect Cosmo. He was especially fortunate during this time to have beloved and treasured friends Tim Conkey, Doc Gencheff, and Randy Vant Hoff.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Denny Taff.

Donations can be made to Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired at WCBlind.org.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave, with memorial service to follow at 12:00 p.m.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com