T. Larry Mell was born in Ojiubwa, Wisconsin in 1934. One year later, his family moved to the Northern Illinois farming community of Kaneville. He attended local public schools and graduated from Elburn High School as valedictorian and President of his senior class in 1952. At Elburn, Larry lettered in football, baseball, and basketball earning all-conference status in basketball his senior year. Larry continued his education at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois, majoring in Physics, Mathematics, and minoring in English, and graduated in 1958 cum laude.

From 1958 to 1960, Larry was stationed at the U.S. Army’s Electronic Proving Ground in Fort Huachuca, Arizona. After his involvement at Fort Huachuca, Larry moved to State College, PA. to work as an electronic engineer for HRB Singer, Inc. The State College area was good to Larry as he met Connie Brown and they later married in 1967. Larry also received his MBA degree from Penn State College.

In 1970, the Mell’s settled in La Crosse as Larry accepted a position with Trane Co. Larry presently works in the Business Planning Department and Trane and is responsible for the economic and Market Forecasting, and Marketing Performance Analysis.

Larry has made a commitment to youth activities in the area. He served as a youth baseball coach for the YMCA for four years, and for the La Crosse Youth Baseball for three years, serving as President for a year. He has been active with youth baseball for the entire La Crosse area for over ten years, serving as Vice-President for one year, President for nine years, and Advisor for one year. During this time, the league doubled in size providing service to virtually all surrounding La Crosse Communities.

Larry became actively involved with the Boys’ and Girls’ Club in 1986 as a coach for his son’s basketball, baseball, and football teams. His involvement reached a new level in 1988 when he joined the Board of Directors to later serve as Vice President and President for the organization. While on the Board, Larry has received the Club’s President award, the Backcourt award, and two coaching awards. Larry remains active through participating on numerous Club and Board Committees.



Larry and his wife Connie have two children, Nicole and Scott. Both children are presently attending Carroll College in Waukesha, WI.