Obituary
Born in Chicago in 1942, only child to Herbert and Ruth Silton, Larry grew up with a strong Midwestern work ethic that defined his remarkable career. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan in 1964 and his law degree from Northwestern University in 1967. Licensed to practice in Wisconsin since 1973 and in Illinois since 1967 (later retired), he was also a certified public accountant. For over four decades, Larry was a partner at Silton Seifert Carlson S.C. in Appleton, Wisconsin, leading the firm’s corporate, tax, and business practice. He provided expert guidance to clients on business succession planning, tax strategies, and acquisitions. Larry was an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Graduate Business School and a lecturer at Fox Valley Technical College, frequently speaking on topics such as the 2003 Tax Act and business transitions.
A respected author, Larry published two influential books on corporate tax and business strategies: How to Buy or Sell the Closely-Held Corporation (Prentice Hall, 1987) and Taking Cash Out of the Closely-Held Corporation: Tax Opportunities, Strategies, and Techniques (Prentice Hall, 1988).
Larry’s greatest passion was his beloved wife Susan (“Sue”), who was his confident, co-adventurer and bridge partner for over 59 years of marriage. Larry and Sue shared a passion for travel and explored the world together, visiting destinations such as Machu Picchu, Romania, Scotland, and New Zealand. In addition, Larry was fully devoted to his family, fishing, and his community. Larry was an avid sportsman who could always be counted on for a game of tennis, racquetball, or basketball. For more than 35 years, he cherished his annual Canadian fishing trips with his two sons, creating lasting memories on the water and telling stories (mostly true) in the cabin. In later years, these cherished traditions expanded to include his grandsons and in-laws, strengthening family bonds across generations.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Herbert and Ruth Silton, his in-laws, Harold and Aileen Baum, and his son-in-law, Scott Spencer. He is survived by his wife, Sue Silton (formerly Baum); his three children, Steven (Heidi), Sara (partner, Tony), and D.J. (Rebecca); and his six grandchildren, Madeline, Peter, William, Jack, Eli, and Abbie.
Chapel service Wednesday 10 AM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. For the link to virtually view the service, shiva information and to leave condolences, please visit www.shalommemorial.org or call (847) 255-3520.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Leaven (leavenfoxcities.org), which provides emergency financial assistance to families in the Fox Cities area, or the charity of your choice.
Larry’s wisdom, warmth, unwavering loyalty, and profound love for those closest to him will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Service Information
Service : Wednesday, March 18th at 10:00 am
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service -Shalom Memorial Funeral Home
Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights
Guest Book & Memories
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March 26th, 2026
Sue and family — Jane and I were so sorry to learn of Larry’s passing. My friendship and memories of Larry span more than 70 years, thru grammar school, high school, Camp Waupaca, and Northwestern Law. I was so envious of Larry when he moved to Appleton, just a stone’s throw from our beloved summer camp — clearly a wise decision from a professional, family and quality of life standpoint. We very much appreciated and enjoyed your hospitality during our visits there in recent years. Please let us know when you’re next in Evanston. May Larry’s wonderful life be a blessing for all who knew and loved him. Herb and Jane Beller
~Herb and Jane Beller
~Friend, Evanston, Ilinois
March 22nd, 2026
Larry was a great asset/friend involved in the sale of our business. Over the years he became a friend & advisor both personally & business. His sense of humor was second to none. He always told it the way it was. No gray areas.
He will be missed.
~Gregory Strayer
~businessclient, Bonduel
March 20th, 2026
Sue and family. We were sorry to hear of Larry’s passing We considered both of you to be good friends. We sure had some great times in Florida. I always considered him a mentor, not only in business but also in life. We will always remember him making French toast for breakfast and having a cognac nightcap each evening. We will certainly miss him.
~Larry and Charley Konz
~friend, Durango
March 19th, 2026
On behalf of the campers and staff of the Camp Waupaca Reunion Group, we offer our sincere condolences, May his memory e a blessing.
~Paul W Warshauer
~Camp Waupaca Alumni, Chicago, IL
March 18th, 2026
Larry was my idol growing up. Everything he did was special. Being the first born grandchild, like Maddie, he held a premier position among the cousins. He was the leader and later in life, the Patriarch. He caught the “fishing gene””from his grandfather, Papa Sam. Papa Sam would charter a boat in Miami and take the family fishing. I was usually the only female on board. “Monkey see, monkey do”. I wanted to fish like Larry did. More importantly, I wanted to Catch fish like Larry did. When I met my husband, Mike, I had to pass a fishing test before we were married. I passed by catching a huge Alligator Snappng Turtle in an Augusta pond. I’ll always associate my love of fishing with my mentor, Larry. We will miss our fishing partner, cousin, and friend. One of the reasons we moved to Sarasota, was to spend time with Larry and Sue. Rest in peace my dear cousin.
~Jana and Mike Kreisberg
~First cousins, Longboat Key, Fla.
March 18th, 2026
We have wonderful memories of our friendship over many years with Larry and Sue in Door County and Sarasota, facilitated through the Brogan family. We will miss Larry very much. Mary and Keith Bednarowski
~Mary F. Bednarowski
~Friend, Minneapolis, MN
March 18th, 2026
I will miss seeing Larry headed upstairs to his condo with a big smile on his face and his wicked sense of humor! We have been blessed for the last 10 plus years to have such a wonderful neighbor and storyteller. He will live in our hearts and memories. Warmest sympathies to his beloved family and Sue, the love of his life.
~Jane Penny
~Neighbor in Longboat Key, FL, Longboat Key
March 17th, 2026
Larry and Sue have always been two of my favorite neighbors. Larry always made me laugh. I think my overwhelming feeling I always had was what seemed to be such a lovely bond between the two of them. I can almost hear him calling across the pool “Oh, Dear.” but as an address, not a call for help. They always seemed to have a lovely relationship. He will be missed by many.
~Tracy Bibler
~Friend and neighbor, Florida
March 17th, 2026
We enjoyed our time with Larry and Sue and their family. Our families grew up together in Appleton and we shared many happy times together. Camping at Lake Silton was one of those happy times. We counted Larry as a special friend.
~BRUCE and NANCY CHUDACOFF
~friends, Glenview, IL
Guest Book and Memories
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