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Larry Nelson Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
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Lisa's sister - Sue
January 7, 2022
I can't believe it's the 13th anniversary of Larry's death. Though we didn't see each other often, his sense of humor always made it our visits memorable. One example: We were in the church for Natalie's 1st communion. I said "I can't believe the roof didn't cave in, I'm not a church goer". Larry said "Well I haven't been struck by lightening so I think we're both safe."
Ben
November 7, 2021
I know this is a couple of years late, but Larry was my golf instructor when I was younger. I recall him being extremely kind and patient, and I always enjoyed the lessons I had with him.
Gary & Gwen Voegtle
January 9, 2010
Dear Lisa, Natalie and Spencer,
This must have been a very challenging year for you. We are sure it was full of tears and we hope some laughter at the happy memories you have of Larry.
We sorely miss when you and Larry were our neighbors. We think of you often and miss you.
Gary and Gwen Voegtle
Sue Wagner
January 9, 2010
Dear Lisa, Natalie and Spencer,
It's hard to believe it is 1 year since Larry/your Dad succumbed to the cancer. Please know that we are here for you, not just the first year, but always.
We love you, think of you often and hope that you have more days filled with happy memories than sorrow over the loss.
Love, Your Big Sis/Auntie Susie
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Rich Fick
November 4, 2009
Our sympathies to Lisa and all of Larry's family. Our children, Renee and Jeff both took lessons from him. We're sorry to have missed this announcement earlier. God's blessings to all of you.
Rich and Penny Fick
Barry Leaon
February 11, 2009
I knew Larry from the time he went to Mt. Calvary Lutheran School. He was a great golf pro who gave lessons to myself, wife and three sons. He never took himself too seriously and was always in a jovial mood. We will miss him. Please look forward to that blessed reunion in Heaven. God Bless you in your time of mourning.
Brent Michals
February 8, 2009
Larry was a great guy and a great golf teacher. Over 10 years after my last golf lesson with Larry, I still get compliments on my [his] swing. His love of life and love of the game was always evident. My condolances go out to his family. He is with our Creator in a better place.
Pam Singleton
February 2, 2009
We hold you in our prayers daily and often talk of our shared memories. We love you. The Singleton Family
Amy Rolando
January 26, 2009
I feel lucky to have know Larry from being a student of his at Braemar. His love of the game and of life was evident at the first lesson. Larry instilled a desire to his students to have fun on the course but most of all, bring some joy everyday to all you meet.
Thinking of Larry's family and all who knew him at this time.
Debbie Lazcano-Stai
January 18, 2009
Lisa,
I just heard of Larry's passing. I am so so sorry. All of us Rich Acres kids grew up with Larry as our mentor, and later as our friend and co-worker. He was so proud of his family and was meant to be a great father. Please cherish the memories you have, as all of us will as well. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy and love,
The Stai Family (Debbie, Charlie, Joanna, and even Bucky who hopefully Larry greeted as he got to heaven)
Pat Arzamendi
January 18, 2009
Lisa & family,you are in our hearts and prayers. All our love, Aunt Grace, cousin Pat & Bob
Janice Knight
January 17, 2009
My deepest sympathies to you all. Larry and I went to high school together. He always had a great smile and awesome laugh. I have heard through friends of mine how much he meant to their kids as he taught them to golf. May you be comforted by our heavenly Father during this time. May His peace and strength surround and uphold you.
Jennifer Beckman-Rerat
January 17, 2009
Larry was a great guy! We were good friends in high school. We were always a menace to Mr. Hepburn at Minnehaha Academy, playing many a joke on each other and fellow band members. Larry was one of the great guys who would always carry my string bass around for me from place to place on tours and for concerts. About 5 or so years ago, Larry tried to teach me to golf. UGH, it got preety ugly, but Larry always encouraged me and said how good I was doing. Recently, I have been lucky enough to share good conversations with Larry at Braemar where my daughter would practice for golf try-outs at Minnetonka High School. He was always willing to share a story or laugh. I will miss, Larry, and feel bad that we never got our lunch plans organized. I want his wife and children to know how much he will be missed. Jennifer Beckman-Rerat, Eden Prairie, Mn
Jim Hovland
January 17, 2009
To the Nelson family, Larry was a wonderful person with a ready smile, a gentle, patient nature and a great love of his work , especially with kids. We will all miss greatly his presence at Braemar and all that he did for the residents of the City of Edina. Our deepest sympathies.
Lori Stonewall
January 16, 2009
Lisa,
My thoughts go out to you and your beautiful children. I met you and Larry two years ago at Abbott, at which time I had the privledge to care for Larry. His shock at his diagnosis was so raw at that time, and he immediately spoke of the love of his life and how lucky he was to have such a great family. He talked of wanting to be your husband longer, and a father for much longer as well. I suggested we phone the kids, since he had not spoken to them since the beginning of the ordeal. He smiled and laughed through his tears..... I just wanted you to know how much he loved you all, and how he touched others in only a brief meeting. I have thought of you so often, and hoped that the end would have brought a different result. We are so lucky to have known him. Know that he is with you every day, and so many prayers are coming your way.
Colleen Eull
January 16, 2009
Lisa Spencer & Natalie
You are in my thoughts and prayers! Larry was a very special person the patience he had while teaching me was what kept me coming back for more lessons. He gave me a love for the game. I will remember him when on the course.
Hondo
January 16, 2009
Lisa and family-
My condolences on the passing of your beloved Larry. I will always recall his sense of humor, his unique teaching analogies, and his patience (for slow golf learners like me). He was born to teach.
And of course I will never forget the privilege of performing at your wedding way back when. Larry always had a genuine smile coupled with a twinkle in his eye that made me (and I presume legions of others) always feel special in his presence.
And that may be his greatest lesson.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Gene and Carole Parr
January 15, 2009
Dear Nelson family,
Please accept Carole and my deepest sympathy on the loss of Larry. Although I didn't see Larry as often as I would have liked, our meetings were always the highlight of my day. Every spring, I would have my annual golf lesson, always beginning by threatening to tell the PGA how overrated he was as a teacher if in that lesson he didn't cure my rapidly aging golf game. Ten minutes after we'd begin, he would remind me how old I was getting and we would spend the remainder of the lesson discussing some tournament I'd played in 20 years ago, where his memory was obviously better than mine! When my wife took her first lesson from Larry, she immediately became known as the Parr family's better half. I look forward to the day when I see Larry in that "better place" and he can refresh my memory once again.
Marcia and Mark Ortner
January 15, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Nancy (Stein) Stellmaker and Tom Griffin
January 15, 2009
Lisa, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you. May your memories bring comfort to you and your family.
John Anderson
January 15, 2009
Dear Lisa and Family,
You are in our family's thoughts and prayers! Larry and I joined the section about the same time. He was the first guy I met. I'll never forget the good times I had playing golf with Larry. He was truly fun to be around---a real geniune person. Along with everyone, I'll miss him very much!
Tom Bakke
January 14, 2009
To the family of Larry Nelson, I am sorry for your loss. Your husband, your father, and a friend of so many will be deeply missed. He was such a caring and compassionate man, a true PGA Professional, and one who influenced the lives of thousands both on and off the course.
Your Big Sis, Sue/ Auntie Susie
January 14, 2009
Dear Lisa,
Your friends and family offer support, a shoulder to cry on and hope you find comfort in the knowledge that we all love you.
Dear Natalie and Spencer,
Your Dad loves you VERY much! He is so proud of both of you. May you know that, as you grow up, he will always be watching and caring for you from heaven.
Denny Clark
January 14, 2009
Dear Nelson Family
Please accept my deepest sympathy and sincere condolences on the loss of Larry. If a person's wealth were measured by the number of friends they made, Larry would be one of the wealthiest people in the world. He had such a pleasant way about him and was never too busy to enjoy the company of those who knew him. He would always take the time to help anyone with thier needs and concerns whether it be thier golf game or life issues. He will be greatly missed by many people. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Gwen and Gary Voegtle
January 14, 2009
Dear Lisa,
We were just talking about how we miss you and Larry as our neighbors here in the old "hood" and how Gary misses Larry and Rich Acres over Christmas. It is so shocking to learn of Larry's illness and passing. Of course we lament not getting together more. Larry was a compassionate man for all the care he gave to the special needs kids when it came to golf and he was a wonderful husband and dad. He was very lucky, too, in that he found you for his soul mate. We know he was your rock and we are comforted knowing Natalie and Spencer are here for you now. It is so sad when someone who has done so much and been so much to others dies so young.
Know that we think about you and kids often and call us if there is anything, or something we can do to ease your burdens, or if you just want to talk.
Craig Frerichs
January 14, 2009
I knew Larry through my son. Larry took my son under his wing after we moved here from Colorado. He was encouraging, generous and inspirational to both of us. He was a great guy and will be missed. Hope to see you playing that great back nine in the sky someday Larry!
Love, Dr. Craig Frerichs
Mark Harelstad
January 14, 2009
Larry was a driving force for the Edina Girl's Golf Team. Many of our players worked with Larry throughout the years. Larry's love of the game of golf was infectious. Not only did he teach our players the mechanical parts of a swing, but he stressed the etiquette of the game. We will miss Larry's smile on the driving range and know he will continue to promote the game of golf on the fairways of heavens. We will miss you greatly.
Mark Harelstad & the Edina Girl's Golf Team
stacy
January 14, 2009
My prayers are with you Debi, I'm so sorry for your loss, you are a great women who will find happiness again. co-worker Stacy
Roger and Angie Whitney
January 14, 2009
Dear Lisa, Spencer and Natalie. We are terribly sorry to hear of Larry's passing. He was a wonderful man, who we feel priviliged to have known. We have been praying with you and for you throughout this difficult time. Sending love and prayers.
Barb Magnuson
January 14, 2009
Dear Lisa,
Though I've not met you, I wanted to express my sympathy to you on the loss of Larry. He was my son, Mike's, golf pro for several years & helped him so much with the game. But Mike & I both appreciated him for his optimism, his encouragment, and his humor!!! We will miss him so much & are so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Barb & Mike Magnuson
Doug and Renelle Nelson
January 14, 2009
It is with great sadness yet joy that we send our love and appreciation to you at this difficult time. Larry gave of himself to our children not only through the game of golf, but in learning the lessons of life, especially this past year. For Brett, our son with developmental disabilities who met him at Rich Acres and continued working with him through AR&LE golf at Braemar, Larry gave him a love for the game and the belief that all things are possible. For our daughter, Aubrie, with whom he has shared his golf expertise for over 8 years and helped develop her into one of the top high school golfers in the state, he also gave her lessons of life, balance and committment. Some people come into your life just once with certain gifts- Larry was that person for our family. He will be missed, but his legacy lives on in our children and that brings us joy. Thanks for sharing him with us.
Eric and Ron Durkin
January 14, 2009
For years Larry gave my father and me lessons. He was always a great teacher, always staying patient no matter how the lesson was going. Even after I stopped taking lessons he would always stop and talk with me when I would be at the range. Whether he was giving me a free bucket, a swing tip or just a warm smile, it always brightened my day when Larry came around. I know I, and I can speak for my father, will miss Larry a great deal, Thanks for everything, Larry.
Mary and Tim Colleran
January 13, 2009
Lisa, Natalie, Spencer and Gordy,
We are so sorry to hear of Larry's passing.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Love, the Colleran's
Rhonda Zimmer
January 13, 2009
Dear Lisa, Natalie and Spencer,
You are so blessed to have had a Father who loved you as much as he did. Larry will be missed so much in our neighborhood and we feel so fortunate to have known him.
We will be here for all of you because our neighborhood is like a family and we are so blessed to live here. We really hope to spend more time with you and the kids. God Bless you!
Love you, Rhonda, Alexis and Sophia Zimmer
Pat Scott
January 13, 2009
I am so sorry for you loss. Larry enjoyed teaching golf more than any other PGA Pro I have ever met. He would work all day teaching and whenever you saw him he had a smile on his face. No matter how busy Larry was he always had time to stop by and say hi whenever he saw me at Braemar. All golfers in Minnesota lost a good friend.
Sean Broderick
January 13, 2009
We are so sorry for your loss-he was a great person, teacher and friend to us. He ALWAYS had the time to stop and talk. The lessons he gave to us were not just about golf, but also about friendship. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Sean Broderick Family
Pete Schwartz
January 13, 2009
I want to express my deepest sympathies on your great loss. I took lessons from Larry and he motivated me to be a better golfer. After every lesson from Larry I had "the magic" for a few weeks and things would seem so easy. He was always incouraging and took as much pleasure in my progress as I did. The man had a positive affect on more people than you can imagine. He loved his family, had many friends and did something he loved for a living. We were just not ready to see him go. I'm thankful I knew him.
Suzanne Miller Mother of John Paul Miller
January 13, 2009
You are in our family's thoughts and prayers! Larry was a very special person and did so much for so many.
Stephen Venarchick
January 13, 2009
Dear Lisa, Natalie and Spenser,
I have many fond memories of playing golf with Larry over the years. The laughs we shared over life, golf shots and at ourselves, will always be treasured. Larry touched many lives, and I'm honored and blessed that he touched mine in so many ways.
May God bless you with HIS peace and comfort during this time.
Jeanie Seehof
January 13, 2009
Lisa, Natalie,Spencer and Gordy~
I am so saddened for your loss. I pray that you find peace in your memories of Larry and the wonderful times you shared together. God must have needed a golf pro in heaven.
Stay strong and surround yourself with those you love.
**Cole has offered any free babysitting you need.
Jeanie, Erin, Andrew & Cole Seehof
Susie Miller
January 13, 2009
Lisa, Natalie and Spencer,
I am so sorry for your loss of a proud, loving husband and father. I am also sorry for the world losing such an amazing person. I loved to hear the stories of Natalie and Spencer Larry was so proud to tell. I will miss him. His life was too short, and yet he accomplished so many things. Larry's love of the game of golf along with his love of all people will forever leave a mark in so many hearts.
Sincerely,
Susie
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