Larry George Vacek

Larry George Vacek died peacefully on July 25 at the age of 86, surrounded by the love of family and friends near his home in Wilmington, North Carolina. Larry was born on February 24, 1940, on the family farm in Ravenna, Nebraska, to George and Erma Vacek. He received his elementary education at Union Ridge, a one-room country school, before graduating from Ravenna High School in 1957. Larry then attended the University of Nebraska, majoring in Zoology and Physiology while also enjoying college life as a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Following graduation, Larry answered the call to military service. He attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he met Marilyn Yeck, who shared his Bohemian roots. They married in 1965 and began their life together at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Fort Benning, Georgia. Eventually they settled in Greenville, North Carolina, where Larry traded his Army uniform for a career with DuPont. Larry and Marilyn welcomed three children: Gregory, Katrina, and Marla. Their daughter, Katrina Marie, died at birth, a sorrow they quietly carried. Larry devoted 33 years to DuPont before retiring to care for Marilyn during her long illness. With her wheelchair in tow, they traveled to Nebraska, Oklahoma, California, Arizona, and even the Caribbean. Marilyn was able to hold Greg's second child and help Marla choose her wedding dress before she passed away in 2003. Larry’s faith was central to who he was as a person. He served as eucharistic and liturgical ministers, as a Stephen Minister, as a member of Parish Council and notably as project manager for the building of the new church facility at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Greenville. Most recently, he was a member of the Basilica Shrine of St. Mary Catholic Church in Wilmington, NC. In 2007, Larry found love again when he met Shirley Rhyne online. They shared 15 happy years of marriage and enjoyed an active social life at Carolina Bay retirement community in Wilmington. When Shirley was diagnosed with terminal cancer, Larry once again became a devoted caregiver, faithfully caring for her until her death in 2023. Larry believed in serving his community. He was active in the Jaycees and the Kiwanis Club of Wilmington, where he served as president. He taught classes on human resources and change management, drawing on his years of experience at DuPont. He founded Carolina Bay's homeowners’ association and contributed articles and cartoons to its newsletter, Baywatch. As long as anyone could remember, he dabbled in homemade art, creating whimsical jackalope sculptures, charming bird paintings, and colorful dragonfly prints. He also illustrated two children's books, “We Can Still Be Friends” and “Orville and Wilbur, the Lost Puppies,” which are available at Barnes & Noble and on Amazon. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, George Frank Vacek and Erma Mildred (Kirschner) Vacek; his brother, Richard Charles Vacek; his daughter, Katrina Marie Vacek; his first wife, Marilyn Vacek; and his second wife, Shirley Rhyne. He is survived by his son, Greg Vacek of Concord, North Carolina; his daughter and son-in-law, Marla and John Broadfoot of Wendell, North Carolina; his sister, Margaret Graham of Omaha, Nebraska; his cherished companion, Janus Jacobsen of Wilmington, North Carolina; his grandchildren, Grier Vacek, Brendan Vacek, Marett Vacek, Marilyn Broadfoot, and Viola Broadfoot; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the St. Mark Catholic Church, 1011 Eastwood Road, Wilmington, North Carolina, on Monday, August 3 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, American Lung Association, or Brigade Boys & Girls Club.

Larry George Vacek

February 24, 1940 - July 25, 2026