Ian Robert Larew

Ian Larew, age 12, passed away in his parent's arms after a courageous 1,473 day battle with Anaplastic Ependymoma, a childhood brain cancer. While his time here was far too short, and filled with challenges no child should ever face, Ian met it all with a rare mix of strength, kindness, and perfectly timed sarcasm that kept everyone around him on their toes.

Ian is survived by his parents, Robert and Janel Larew, and his siblings, Miles and Olivia. He is also lovingly remembered by his grandparents, Don and Diane Silkey, and Gary and Ann Larew; his aunts and uncles, Jamie Silkey and Brian Schlei, Jake and Sydney Silkey, Theresa and Levi Zuck, and Melissa and Josh Douglas; and his cousins, Kinsley and Everly Silkey, Emmett, Sawyer, Hudson and Claire Zuck, and Charlie and Annabelle Douglas. Further survived by his Great-grandmother, Giuseppina (Rosa) Sali. Ian also leaves behind a wide circle of friends he deeply cherished, including the two best friends a boy could ask for, Drew and Grant.

He was preceded in death by his infant brother, Evan.

Ian was so much more than the disease he fought. He was an old soul with a sharp wit and a heart to match. His humor, often sarcastic, always well-timed, had a way of cutting through even the hardest moments. He could make people laugh when they least expected it and needed it most. At the same time, his kindness was genuine and effortless, making everyone around him feel seen, included, and important. He loved a good prank, even going as far as trying to prank his neurosurgeon and countless nurses who cared for him.

Ian loved sports, science, random facts, cooking, traveling, and a good dad joke (even if he’d pretend they weren’t funny). He was adventurous, always eager to try new foods and explore new places. Little kids gravitated toward him, adults admired him, and somehow he made both feel equally at ease.

To his friends, Ian was everything you hoped one would be: loyal, funny, honest, and welcoming to all. He had a quiet confidence and a big smile that brought warmth wherever he went. He didn’t just make friends, he made people feel like they belonged.

Ian was wise beyond his years with a remarkable ability to be direct and honest, often delivering it with humor that made even the hardest truths easier to hold. Even in his final days, he continued to show that same spirit: brave, funny, and deeply himself.

Ian leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and authentic love that will live on in every person lucky enough to know him. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

He was also passionate about helping others and being part of something bigger than himself. In that spirit, Ian’s brain and spinal cord were donated to research through A Gift from A Child, with the hope that one day no other family will have to walk this path.

We would like to thank the numerous healthcare providers who cared for Ian these last four years. Most notably, his St. Jude Children’s Hospital Neuro Oncology team, especially Dr. Kelsey Bertrand and Dr. Paul Klimo, his Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Neuro Oncology team, especially Dr. Sarah Rumler, Candace, Jamie, and Suzie, and his home care and hospice nurses, De’Adre, Alejandra, Chip and Grace.

The family wishes to greatly thank the community, family and friends for all their love and support during this journey.

A Celebration of Ian’s Life will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026 at Pagenkopf Funeral Home in Oconomowoc, at 6:00 PM with a visitation for family and friends starting at 3:00 PM until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations at the link below for a Memorial Fund that will be used to honor Ian through a scholarship fund, to help advance pediatric brain cancer research and support children and families affected by pediatric cancer.

Ian Larew Memorial Fund: A Legacy of Bravery and Love

Ian strongly opposed dress clothes, please come wearing your favorite jersey, his favorite color red or an Ian’s cancer shirt.