LARRY RAY WEGNER

Larry Ray Wegner, 81, of Denver, passed on May 13, 2026 at his home in Black Hawk, Colorado.  Larry was born on January 27, 1945 to Vernon and Wanda (Bracelin) Wegner in Yuma, Colorado.

A MAN OF MANY TALENTS

Larry began an exciting career in music while in grade school, playing the organ in church while mastering the piano at home as his mother, Wanda, danced along and encouraged him all the way.  After playing the music halls of the eastern plains, Larry went on to further his education at the University of Colorado in Boulder, where he mastered trombone and served as drum major and trombonist for the CU men's marching band.

Following his time in Boulder, Larry toured nationally and internationally for six years with entertainer Al Fike, where he played a variety of instruments and sang in the Al Fike/Larry Wegner Show.

In 1969, Larry moved to Los Angeles, California and he worked for several years around the city as a rehearsal pianist and a musical coordinator and director.  He was also the resident piano player for the original Comedy Store on Sunset Boulevard.  Larry left L.A. in 1976 to continue his exciting musical career by touring with the Broadway production of Hello Dolly as well as promotional tours for Transtar and Frontier Airlines. 

In 1978, Larry began a successful second career in the art/design industry in Denver and Dallas as a design coordinator and graphic designer, shop owner, magazine creator, artistt and writer.  He continued to write for over two decades for the Rocky Mountain Business Journal and Out Front, Colorado.  He was also and avid artist throughout his life, and made his name known throughout the Denver art community for his drawings and paintings, which feature both bold landscapes and abstract designs.

Throughout his life, Larry continued to play piano regularly throughout Colorado and was known and loved for his unique piano arrangements and wide range as well as his fun-loving kind spirit and colorful style.  He played for many years at The Grand Bar and The Brown Palace Hotel and in 2009 became the resident vaudeville piano player for Naughty Pierre's Burlesque and Comedy Extravaganza at Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret in downtown Denver.

Larry wrapped up his musical career in 2020, but continued to paint and draw daily, where he enjoyed a happy life in the mountains near Golden Gate Canyon State Park in the Arapaho/Roosevelt National Forest.  Surrounded by love and friendship, Larry died peacefully in his sleep at his house in Black Hawk on May 13, 2026.