Laurence Allen Totten

Laurence Allen Totten

Laurence (Larry) Allen Totten, 84, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on May 31, 1942, to Donald and Eunice Totten.

On June 8, 1963, Larry married the love of his life, Patti Cummings. Together they built a life centered around family, faith, friendship, and service. Larry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who took great pride in his family.

Larry graduated from Whitewater High School with the Class of 1960. He served in the Army National Guard from 1959 to 1967. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1968 and passed the CPA exam in 1969, beginning a long and distinguished career in accounting.

His first position was with McGladrey, Hanson & Dunn in Iowa City, Iowa. In 1980, Larry became a partner at Hill Christensen & Co. in Tomah, Wisconsin. The firm later merged with Clifton Gunderson, where Larry continued his career and ultimately retired as the district managing partner in Wisconsin in 2005.

Larry was deeply committed to his community and believed in giving his time and talents to others. He was an active member of the Crystal Lake, Illinois Jaycees from 1972 to 1977 and a member of Rotary from 1978 to 2020, serving in many positions including Rotary president. He was especially proud to have been honored twice with the Rotarian Paul Harris Award for his “service above self.”

Larry’s commitment to young people extended well beyond his own family. He helped with church youth programs, served as a table leader for confirmation classes, coached Bantam hockey, and shared his love of golf with young golfers. He also took great pride in mentoring young adults as they began their careers and businesses, offering encouragement, wisdom, and practical guidance drawn from his years of experience. Whether he was coaching a team, sitting around a confirmation table, helping a young golfer, or talking with someone just beginning their career, Larry had a gift for making young people feel supported, capable, and valued.

Outside of work and community service, Larry knew how to enjoy life. He was a lifelong Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers fan and especially loved watching college basketball, always following and rooting for UW–Madison. He also enjoyed golf and played an above-average game—a pastime that brought him many happy hours and good friends. He loved a good meal with family and friends and played a mean game of Euchre.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Eunice Totten; his infant son, Steven Jay Totten; his brother-in-law, James Douglas; his sister-in-law, Luanne Totten.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Patti; his son, Tim Totten; his daughter, Tari (Scott) Waite; daughter-in-law, Karen Totten; four grandsons, Jake Waite, Tyler Totten, Trevor Totten, and Nicholas Waite; his siblings, Patty Douglas, Greg (Roseanne) Totten, and Diane (Scott) Ingraham; and many nieces and nephews.

Larry will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his profession, his faith, and his community. He leaves behind a legacy of service, friendship, and love—and countless memories shared with the people fortunate enough to know him.

A burial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater, Wisconsin. A celebration of Larry’s life will follow at Willow Brook Golf Course in Whitewater.

In lieu of flowers, please take a moment and sign the guestbook and share a memory or photo of Larry!