Princeton - Lawrence L. "Larry" McGhiey, age 87, of Ogden, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Goldwater Care in Princeton, IL, surrounded by his family.
Larry was born on November 13, 1938, in Spring Valley, IL, to the late Thomas L. and Leilah E. (Schoof) McGhiey. He graduated from Seneca High School (Seneca, IL), Class of 1957. He would marry the love of his life, Norene M. Wood, April 25, 1959 in Seneca, IL. They shared 62 years together before her passing on March 7th, 2022.
Larry served with the Army Reserves in the 1960s. Most of his career was spent with United Parcel Service, where he worked as a package delivery driver and later as an air shuttle driver for 34 years until his well-earned retirement. Even in retirement, Larry never slowed down. He was quick to lend a hand wherever there was a need and was known for his generosity with both his time and his resources. He renovated rental properties and took on a second career in janitorial work, including at Living Word Family Church, of which he was an active member since its inception.
Larry deeply loved his family. Aside from work, he found joy in anything done with Norene: watching and feeding birds, attending cultural events, exploring historical sites, walking hand-in-hand through the woods, and playing frequent cut-throat games of Scrabble!
Larry was ornery in the most endearing way, blessed with a sharp wit and an unforgettable sense of humor (inherited from his dad) that brought smiles (and sometimes groans) wherever he went. Above all, Larry's faith was strong. He and Norene loved the Lord Jesus and wanted to share the joy and hope of their faith with others. Together, they avidly attended various Bible-based meetings and participated in many home Bible studies over the years.
He is survived by his daughters, Melanie L. McGhiey of Urbana, IL, Kimberly J. (Donald) Finley of Princeton, IL, and Lora L. (Brian) Holden of Ogden, IL; his grandchildren, Benjamin (Zoe) Finley of Peru, IL, William (Melanie Wolf) Finley of Princeton, IL, Keely Holden and Aiden Holden of Ogden, IL; and one great-grandson, Thomas Finley of Peru, IL. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Eugene Wood of Parchment, MI, and Douglas Wood of Seneca, IL; nephews and nieces Jeff (Susan) Wood, Jennifer Wood, Michael Wood, and Kerri Logan; and great-nieces and great-nephews, Emily Wood, Elizabeth Henry, Caleb Henry, and Samuel Wood.
Larry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Norene; his parents, Tom and Lee McGhiey; his sister, Pamela Logan; his father-in-law, Albert Wood, his mother-in-law, Ina Wood; and most recently his sister-in-law, Vivian Wood; and niece through marriage, Jody Wood.
The family wishes to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all who prayed, encouraged us, and helped Dad/Grandpa throughout his final days on this earth. We especially want to thank caregivers Shirley Shore of St. Joseph, IL, Barb Osborn of Princeton, IL, and VITAS Hospice RN Megan Ford and Aide Jona for your love and support, not only for Larry, but for us as well. We are also grateful for the loving care provided at Goldwater Care and Liberty Village, both located in Princeton, IL.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments, 701 E Thompson St, Princeton, IL 61356.
The funeral service will follow, at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Donald B. Finley offering words of comfort.
A second memorial service will be held at a later date at Larry's home church, Living Word Family Church in St. Joseph, IL.
Private interment will be held at a later date at Mount Hope Cemetery in Seneca, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Living Word Family Church or The Alzheimer's Association.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.norbergfh.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.
