Larry J. Backus

Larry John Backus, age 60, of Oshkosh died unexpectedly of cancer on Monday, October 31, 2011 at Aurora Medical Center surrounded by his loving wife, his children, his brothers and sister, and a few close friends. He was born on May 31, 1951 in Chippewa Falls to Alfred and Pearl Backus. Larry and his family moved to Oshkosh when he was 12 and he attended both Lourdes and Oshkosh High School, graduating from Oshkosh West High School as class of 1969. He was known in Oshkosh as the pool playing phenomenon. He was so good that he was able to buy the fastest car in Oshkosh, much to his mothers dismay, using his pool playing earnings from playing at the Magnet. He served in the Army Reserves with his brother, Len, in the late 60s. Larry then went on to work as a manager at Mars Restaurants and at Baxters Restaurant. While working at Baxters, Larry met co-worker Marilyn Kovacevich, and they fell in love and married on March 2, 1979. In Oshkosh, Larry was best known for owning and running The Magnet Billiards and Bar, which he purchased in 1980 from Frank Hayes. After this success, he expanded to additional businesses including Kelleys and the Pas-Tyme II. Through this network of watering holes, Larry made an incredible number of close friends through the years. Larry had a warm heart and was extremely generous with his loved ones. He was happy-go-lucky, and the best darn pool player in Oshkosh.Larry and Marilyn got the news of Larrys cancer on the morning of Friday, October 28. It was a shock to everyone, including Larry, and time was short. He and Marilyn spent their remaining time together, and Larry asked Marilyn to tell his children that he loved them and that she should tell everyone that he was at peace and happy with his life and had fulfilled everything on his bucket list. Larry is survived by his siblings, Richard Backus, Len (Kathy) Backus, and Nancy Backus, his wife Marilyn, and his three daughters, Alison Backus (Dan Garrison), Tamara (Mike) Ludwig, and Cassandra Backus.A memorial visitation will be held for Larry from 4-8pm on Thursday at the east side location of Konrad-Behlman Funeral Homes on Waugoo Ave. Church services will be held on Friday morning, Nov. 4, at 10am at St. Raphaels Catholic Church.

Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home- Eastside



402 Waugoo Ave
Oshkosh
WI
54901

Thursday, November 03, 2011
4 - 8 p.m.



St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church



830 S Westhaven Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Friday, November 04, 2011
9 a.m. - service



St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church



830 S Westhaven Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Friday, November 04, 2011
10:00 a.m.