Meet Larry Scheckel

Vendor Visions: A Deep Dive Into the Stories Behind VPM

Welcome to the Vendor Visions Promotional Campaign – a heartfelt journey into the people and products that make up the vibrant tapestry of the Viroqua Public Market (VPM).

Together, we are like a patchwork quilt, each vendor a colorful square sewn together with purpose and passion. In the coming months, we’ll introduce you to the individuals who bring this market to life—one square at a time.

We proudly begin with our first featured vendor…

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Meet Larry Scheckel

Name: Larry Scheckel

Location: Tomah, Wisconsin

Products: A collection of books authored by Larry Scheckel

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A Life in Words: Larry’s Story

At 83 years old, Larry Scheckel has written ten books that span genres, generations, and geography—all deeply rooted in his experiences in Wisconsin’s Driftless region.

Whether sharing nostalgic childhood memories, educating readers on everyday science, or diving into local true crime cases, Larry writes with a clear purpose: to preserve history, foster curiosity, and celebrate community values.

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Growing Up in the Driftless Region

In his memoir, Seneca Seasons: A Farm Boy Remembers, Larry invites readers back to a simpler time—growing up on a 238-acre family farm in southwest Wisconsin. As one of nine children, his life revolved around family, church, and the rhythms of the land.

Using only primitive tools and plenty of grit, Larry learned lessons of hard work, resilience, and integrity—values that echo throughout all his books.

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One-Room Schoolhouses and a Life of Teaching

Larry’s love of learning was ignited in a one-room country schoolhouse called Oak Grove School, where he learned alongside 28 students ranging from first to eighth grade.

This formative experience is captured in Country School Days: True Tales of a Wisconsin One Room School, where Larry reflects on how the multi-age, student-centered environment shaped him—first as a learner, then as a lifelong educator.

In fact, to this day, Larry still visits his former teacher, who at age 100 resides in a Viroqua nursing home. His continued devotion speaks volumes.

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A Passion for Science Education

After earning a degree in Physics in 1971, Larry became the only person in Wisconsin that year to pursue high school science teaching. Over his 38-year career in Tomah, he educated more than 4,000 students in physics and aerospace science.

His thirst for knowledge led to three master’s degrees and countless awards. But his favorite subject has always been science that sparks wonder—a passion he poured into six engaging science books:

• Can People Just Burst into Flames?

• I’ve Always Wondered About That

• I Wondered About That Too

• I Just Keep Wondering

• Ask A Science Teacher

• Ask Your Science Teacher

These books are beloved for their accessible, jargon-free explanations in a fun, Q&A style—based on Larry’s decades-long local newspaper column, where readers submitted their most curious science questions.

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Exploring True Crime Through a Local Lens

Larry’s natural curiosity led him into true crime writing, where he explored mysteries that shaped his hometown of Tomah.

• In Murder in Wisconsin: The Clara Olson Case, he investigates a 1926 cold case near his childhood home, giving long-overdue voice to the victim.

• His newest release, Murder in a Small Town: The Kyson Rice Case, covers a modern-day local murder that shocked the community and led to justice.

Released just this month, Murder in a Small Town is being promoted through book signings and regional events. You can follow Larry’s appearances and updates on his website: larryscheckel.com

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Words of Wisdom

Larry’s blog is a treasure trove of thoughtful reflections. One of our favorite quotes beautifully reflects both his philosophy and the spirit of our vendor community:

“Work affirms our dignity and self-worth. It is a social activity that draws us together in a common enterprise. Work produces something of value for others to consume. In a real sense, work is a form of prayer.”

This sentiment is the heart of Viroqua Public Market. Each vendor shares their work, their passion, and in doing so, contributes to a greater whole. Like squares in a handmade quilt, we’re stronger—and warmer—together.

We thank Larry Scheckel for the wisdom, curiosity, and rich storytelling he brings to VPM. His square adds unmistakable color and depth to our community quilt.

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Stay tuned for our next featured vendor in the Vendor Visions series!

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Article By Nikki Anderson

Photos By Tea