Larry Ronald Ruotsi

Larry Ronald Ruotsi, 87, of Winthrop Harbor, IL, formerly of Waukegan, IL, and Washburn, WI, passed away on January 15, 2026, in Libertyville, IL, surrounded by his loved ones.

Larry was born on May 31, 1938, in Waukegan, IL, the son of Haagerd Kayo and Aili Maria (Nevala) Ruotsi. Larry graduated from Waukegan High School; shortly after high school he was drafted to join the U.S. Army. Once honorably discharged, he worked as a carpenter for the union as well as being a self-employed contractor when living in Wisconsin. Larry also worked and retired from Waukegan High School as a locksmith. Larry assisted in building several buildings at Great America in Gurnee, IL. He loved to play the accordion, watch the Chicago Cubs, travel to Arizona and Colorado, and spend time with his family.

Larry is survived by his children, Lawrence O. Knop, Michael (Debbie) Knop, Erik (Denyse) Ruotsi, Kirstan (Mark) Kish, and Ted (Sharon) Ruotsi; grandchildren, Aria (Derek) Truninger, Sydney Ruotsi, Brooke Nelson, Morgan Nelson, Kathryn (Sam) Blaisdell, Madeline Ruotsi, Lani Gay Knop, Lawrence O. Knop II, Ryan M. Kulzak, Kelli K. (Steve) Masavage, Jennifer E. (Mark) Hydrava, Jayden Knop, Kinley Knop, Alexis Glover, Anthony Glover, Annaliese Knop, Asher Knop, Melissa Knop, and Joseph Knop; great-grandchildren, Blake, Lenox, Dominic, Katherine Elizabeth Hydrava, Tally Marie Hydrava, Henry Oliver Hydrava, Arielle Jone, Bensaid Gray, Denzel Gray, Bella Gray, Megan Knop, Sadie Knop, and Ethan Knop; cousin, Marvin Nevala; and former wife, Christine Ruotsi.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dennis Ruotsi.