MILLSTADT, Ill. – The community of Millstadt is grieving the sudden and profound loss of Larry Schubert, a devoted father, cherished friend, and a foundational pillar of the beloved Millpond Brewery. Larry passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of passion, hard work, and unwavering support that touched countless lives. His passing has been met with an outpouring of love and sorrow, perhaps best captured by a family member’s poignant reflection: “I always knew this day would come, but I never imagined it would be so soon.”

Larry was far more than just a fan of the local brewery; he was an instrumental force in its creation and its soul. From the early days of its conception, he was a builder, an advisor, and its most enthusiastic cheerleader. But for his family, his most important role was that of a father, a best friend, and a hero.

As friends, family, and the wider community remember the man who brought so much life and encouragement to their town, it is clear that while Larry Schubert may be gone, his spirit will live on in the foundations of the brewery he helped build and, most importantly, in the hearts of the children he inspired.

The Heart of the Brewery: A Builder and a Beacon

To understand Larry Schubert’s impact on his community, one must look no further than Millpond Brewery, a local institution that has become a gathering place and a point of pride for the village of Millstadt. While his name may not have been on the official ownership papers, his fingerprints are all over its success.

His role in the brewery’s growth, as described by those closest to him, “extended far beyond lending a helping hand.” He was a true believer in the vision from day one, offering a rare combination of practical skills and infectious optimism. In the early stages of construction and renovation, Larry’s expertise was invaluable. He was a man who knew how to build things, and he poured his time and talent into the physical foundation of the brewery. Whether it was framing a wall, offering advice on plumbing, or simply showing up with a toolbox and a can-do attitude, he was there, a steady and reliable presence.

But his contributions were not just physical. He was a spiritual builder as well, a “beacon of encouragement” for the brewery’s founders during the challenging and uncertain process of starting a new business. He believed in the project with every fiber of his being, and his unwavering confidence was a source of strength for everyone involved. He saw the potential for what Millpond could be—not just a place that made beer, but a place that made community.

Those who frequented Millpond knew Larry as its “loudest and proudest advocate.” He was a fixture at the brewery, often found holding court at the bar or walking through the beer garden, a pint in his hand and a wide smile on his face. He never missed an opportunity to share his pride in the brewery’s journey, telling its story to new customers and celebrating every success, no matter how small. A new beer release, a positive review, a crowded Saturday night—all were reasons for celebration in Larry’s eyes.

His enthusiasm was infectious. He had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcomed and valued, treating strangers like old friends and first-time visitors like regulars. For many, Larry’s presence was as much a part of the Millpond experience as the beer itself. His absence will now create a palpable void in the heart of the establishment he so dearly loved.

A Father and a Hero: The Family Man

While the community knew him as the spirit of the brewery, for his children, Larry Schubert was the sun around which their world revolved. They remember him not just as a father, but as their best friend, their confidant, their mentor, and their hero.

He was the person they could always count on, the one they turned to for everything from profound life advice to help with a simple household project. He was their “voice of reason,” a steady and calming influence who could navigate any storm with wisdom and grace. His “boundless patience” was legendary among his family; he was a teacher who never grew tired of explaining, a listener who never rushed to judgment.

Perhaps his greatest gift as a father was his remarkable ability to inspire confidence in his children. He believed in them completely and unconditionally, and that belief gave them the strength to pursue their own passions and overcome their own challenges. His son recalls him not just as a parent, but as his personal hero, someone whose unwavering love and support provided the foundation for his entire life.

The bond they shared was one of deep friendship. He was the father who was also a peer, someone his children could laugh with, share secrets with, and look to for honest, heartfelt advice. The laughter he brought to family gatherings, the steady hand he offered in difficult times, and the quiet encouragement he gave so freely are the things his family will miss most.

A Community Mourns: Tributes Pour In

The news of Larry’s sudden passing has sent a wave of sadness through Millstadt and beyond. The official Facebook page for Millpond Brewery posted a tribute that captured the sentiment of many:

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to a member of our family, Larry Schubert. Larry was more than a supporter; he was a part of our foundation. He was our biggest fan, our toughest critic, and our dearest friend. This place would not be what it is today without his strength, his wisdom, and his incredible spirit. We are heartbroken. Please raise a glass to Larry tonight. He would have liked that.”

The post was met with hundreds of comments from friends, neighbors, and brewery patrons, each sharing a personal memory of Larry. “I’ll never forget the first time I visited Millpond,” one user wrote. “Larry struck up a conversation with me at the bar and spent the next hour telling me the story of how the brewery was built. His passion was just incredible. He made you feel like you were a part of the story too.”

Another commented, “Larry was a true original. A great man with a kind heart who loved his family and his community fiercely. Millstadt won’t be the same without him.”

These tributes paint a consistent picture of a man who was generous with his time, his spirit, and his encouragement. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met, and the community is now coming together to support the family he loved so dearly.

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A Legacy That Pours On

 

Though his passing has left a void that can never be filled, Larry Schubert’s spirit will undoubtedly live on. It will live on in the stories told over a pint at the brewery he helped build. It will live on in the memories of the countless people he made feel welcome. And most powerfully, it will live on through his children.

For his family, and especially his son, carrying forward his memory now becomes a daily mission: to strive to create something that would make him proud. In a testament to the powerful bond they shared, his son has vowed to continue his work at the brewery with the same passion and dedication that his father instilled in him.

He will honor his father’s memory with every batch brewed, every new recipe created, and every glass poured. In this way, Larry’s legacy will not just be a memory, but a living, breathing part of the future of the community he so loved. He was a builder in life, and in death, his legacy continues to build.