Larry Kavich

Larry Kavich, age 74, died August 5 surrounded by family at his Arizona home after a brief and severe battle with pancreatic cancer.



An Omaha businessman for more than four decades, Kavich was the third generation of his family to own and operate All Makes Office Equipment. Among his business accomplishments, Larry expanded All Makes to include high-end contract furniture and grew the company to include two additional locations: Lincoln and Des Moines. He was actively involved in all aspects of the business – from interacting with clients and providing input on projects, to starring in the company’s television commercials.



In his 42 years of work at All Makes, Larry had the unique opportunity to work alongside both his father and his children (the fourth generation of All Makes), Jeff Kavich and Amee Zetzman. His proudest moment came in 2004, when he turned over the top daily decision-making duties to his children.



Larry and his wife, Andi, met when they were both in college at the University of Oklahoma. They retired as snowbirds to Scottsdale, Arizona, spending the remainder of the year at their home in Omaha, where they remained actively involved in the community.



All Makes celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018, an accomplishment most family businesses never see. The Greater Omaha Chamber recognized three generations of the Kavich family in April of this year, as Lazier, Larry, Jeff and Amee were inducted to the Omaha Business Hall of Fame.



“We were so honored and humbled to receive the Business Hall of Fame recognition and are glad Larry was here for that experience,” Jeff said. “That honor wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of the three generations before us. Having Amee and I both watch and observe Larry and our grandfather Lazier over the years taught us how to run this business.”

“Larry lived by and taught us great values, including honesty in everything we do – whether that’s dealing with a client or dealing with a co-worker,” Amee said. “Our father taught us if you always tell the truth, you don’t need to remember what you’ve told someone. Those are words that have stayed with us through our four generations and 100 years being in business.”



In business and in life, Larry strived to always do the right thing. He was a philanthropist and genuinely cared about people on a personal level and frequently offered help to those in need. Larry often would take the time to help counsel and mentor the next generation of business leaders in the community. He was passionate about helping others navigate tough times and succeed.



Kavich is survived by his wife of 53 years, Andi; son, Jeff Kavich (Donna Kush); daughter, Amee Zetzman (Ted); four granddaughters: Ally and Chelsea Kavich and Rachel and Katie Zetzman; sister, Linda Gordman (Nelson Gordman) and nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his beloved standard poodles, Belle and Stoli.

A memorial service will be held Monday, August 12, at Temple Israel at 10:00 a.m. in Omaha.



In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be directed to either the Nebraska Humane Society in Omaha (attn: Mary Severin, Nebraska Humane Society, 8929 Fort Street; Omaha, NE 68134) or Child Crisis Arizona (817 N. Country Club Drive; Mesa, AZ 85201).