Lawrence ‘Larry’ Costigan
Lawrence (Larry) J. Costigan of Quincy, IL, died unexpectedly the afternoon of November 22, 2023 in his home at 68 years old.
Larry was born on February 11, 1955 in Quincy, IL to James (Jim) & Dorothy (Giese) Costigan.
He married his high school sweetheart, Gail K. Hess on February 16, 1974 at St. Boniface Church in Quincy. The two were married for 49 years just three months shy of 50. Larry and Gail are the parents of Colleen (Patrick) Johnson of Decatur, IL, Patrick Costigan of Elkader, Iowa, Christopher (Reagan) Costigan of Quincy, IL and Lauren Patel of St. Charles, MO.
Larry attended St. John’s Grade School in Quincy as well as Christian Brothers High School. He was involved in archery, scouting and earned the Eagle Scout Award. He is a member of St. Francis Solanus Church.
He worked at Huck Fixture, Co. in Quincy from 1973 until 1995. Larry then started his own business, Quincy Masonry Construction, Inc., with co-owner Rick Omer. In 2015 he became sole owner of Quincy Masonry, Inc. and operated the business through 2018. Many beautiful homes and business were constructed with the utmost precision and care in the tri-state region over those years and Larry was proud of those accomplishments. Had it not been for the hard work and wear and tear on his body he would have loved to have continued that craft.
Larry was a hard worker and committed to only the highest quality. Not one to waste, saving anything useful and proud when he found that one item needed in his stash.
He was a talented taxidermist for over 50 years having produced hundreds of pieces for proud and excited hunters, his sons and himself. Never satisfied, he was constantly learning new ways to perfect his art up until his death. Originally a carpenter by trade, he enjoyed wood working. He cut down the red oaks that he milled, dried, shaped and finished for all the woodwork and doors in his home.
Larry was an avid hunter and fishermen since the age of 12. He loved every aspect of the sport and was most happy and proud when his sons and grandchildren shared in that adventure. Being outdoors was his constant joy. He experienced a caribou hunt in remote Canada with his sons in 2001. When the bush plane did not arrive for their scheduled departure, it was two days before they understood how the world had changed on that September 11th. The memory was a treasure in spite of the unimaginable happening. Most of his adventures occurred with his sons across the Midwest including trips to North Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota. If you wanted to talk hunting, Larry was your man. The stories could go on for hours and every detail was remembered and shared. It brought him much joy and his family was grateful he had been duck hunting the morning of his passing.
Larry enjoyed his children and grandchildren’s activities. Whenever possible, he was in attendance at their sports, piano, dance and voice recitals. His artistic talent was put to use drawing coloring pages for the grandkids and he had a knack for finding musical performances for the kids to listen or sing along to. For his friends and family, he was there to lend a hand when needed.
He served as treasurer of the QND Booster Club for 22 years and was an active member of the Mississippi Valley Hunters and Fishermen’s Association.
Larry is survived by his wife, four children and six grandchildren, Aiden and Addison Johnson of Decatur, IL, Sawyer and Elliott Costigan of Quincy, Charli Costigan of Elkader, Iowa, Oliver Patel of St. Charles, MO. and one step grandchild, Sunny Turner of Garnavillo, Iowa.
Siblings, Ann (Dan) Pflibsen, Tony (Lisa) Costigan, Tim (Susan) Costigan, Brent (Annetta) Costigan and Mary Kay (John Courtney) Costigan all of Quincy. Brothers and sisters-in-law, Kevin (Ellen) Hess of Fort Atkinson, WI, and Kirk (Sherry) Hess of Hannibal, MO, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Deceased relatives were: Parents, Jim & Dorothy Costigan, Father-In-Law and Mother-In-Law Gary and Maureen Hess, Sister-In-Law Laurie Costigan and Niece Andrea Costigan in infancy.
Duker and Haugh Funeral Home are handling the arrangements.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 9:30 in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Francis Catholic Church. Interment in Greenmount Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, November 27th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The Mississippi Valley Hunters and Fishermen’s Association or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
I’m truly sorry to the family, Larry was a great man, he was a good friend to me, Gail, Colleen, Patrick, Christopher and Lauren, my heart breaks for all of you, prayers to all of you🙏
So sorry Gail and family for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you Tracy. It is hard to absorb. Very kind of you to take the time to acknowledge him.
Gail, Ann, Tony and Mary Kay, so sorry to see this. Condolences and prayers for acceptance and peace to all.
Our sympathy to the family. Larry was a great coworker and taxidermist. I think of him when I look at my deer.
Lauren Colleen Gail and Chris I’m so sorry for your loss your father and husband was one of a kind
Gail, Colleen (Patrick), Patrick, Christopher (Reagan) and Lauren & the rest of the families, we are so sorry to hear about Larry. Please know we will keep you in our thoughts & prayers & if there is anything we can do just let us know. R.I.P Larry
Dear family – I am sorry for your loss – I wish you peace
Gail and children , i am very sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. He was my classmate thru grade school and high school. Thoughts and prayers with all of you at this difficult time.
Thoughts and prayers to all of Larry’s family. RIP
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you and especially Gail and her family. He is singing with the angels now.
I’m very saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. I’ve known Larry for a long time. He was a very good person a family friend and a hard worker ever since I’ve known him. My condolences to all his family and friends. 😔
Our prayers go out to the Costigan family. It was always easy to spot Larry in a crowd. That smile of his was contagious. We’ll miss running into him around town and sharing stories about kids and grandkids. Larry will be missed but rest assured he will never be forgotten. RIP Larry. Sympathies and comfort to family and friends.
Gail – what a blessing Larry was to you and the kids! Enjoy the reminiscing of the good times and know that he is with Jesus. My prayers are with you.
Gail and family,
I was shocked and greatly saddened to hear about Larry. He was so, so dedicated to all of you…nothing was more important to him. I greatly appreciated all he did to make his children, and the athletic programs of QND, successful. I will pray that God gives you the strength you need in the days ahead, and that HE will fill your hearts and minds with only the great memories you created, and shared with Larry. God Bless.
Gail, I’m so sorry and saddened to hear of Larry’s sudden passing. My Heart is so heavy for you and your family. Prayers for you all since I’ve been there myself. God speed 🙏
Gail, we are so very sorry to see that Larry passed away suddenly. It was an interesting and beautiful obituary of his active life. Sincerely, Jan and “Toot”
Gail, I was so surprised and saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. May God be with you in you and your families grief. Your in our prayers!
We are so sorry for your loss. Many prayers and God Bless 🙏🏻
Bill and Connie Deering
I am very sorry to hear about Larry’s passing. Gail you and your family in my thoughts and prayers 🙏🌹
Gail
I was so sorry to hear of Larry’s sudden passing. You have my deepest sympathy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ann & family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss, Thoughts & prayers during this time.
Gail and Family, I am so sorry I just found out of Larry’s passing. He was a wonderful man. I am so sorry for your loss. If there is anything we can do please know we are here. You guys are all in our prayers and our thoughts. Love Gary and Jill Hall
Chris and family, we are sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. We will keep you in our prayers.
Gail you and your family are in the Schuering family’s thoughts and prayers.
Kirk & Sherry, We are so very sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace. Jeff & Joanne (Powers) Bergman
Gail, so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. Can hardly believe it. Harvey just visited with him in Walmart less than 2 weeks ago. They had a good visit. Always a hunting story involved.
Sending our sincere sympathy. Harvey and Peggy Lancaster