Lawrence "Larry" Thimijan

McCONNELLS - Lawrence "Larry" Carl Thimijan, 64, of McConnells since 1966, was found dead at his home Thursday, May 29, 2008, having died some days earlier. He had extended medical problems during his life as a volunteer and in sales.

Larry was born June 30, 1942, in Lake City, Minn., son of William Peter and Leota Elvira (Prichard) Thimijan. He attended grade school at Districts 07 and 93, combined Wabasha and Goodhue Counties school, Sugar Loaf Valley, until consolidation with Lake City Public Schools. He was active in Future Farmers of America and installed contour strips on his father's farm. He raised rabbits for sale and continued his interest in genetics from grade school through graduation from Lincoln High School in 1960 and during his time at the University of Minnesota Agricultural College, and later.

When the draft threatened because he was supporting himself in college he volunteered for Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) the "domestic peace corps" in 1966. He retained fond memories of his fellow volunteers throughout life. His VISTA assignment took him to McConnells. He was a salesman of seed corn and other goods as soon as he could drive. After his time with VISTA, he made wholesale deliveries, and sold through retail store outlets. He bought a small beef farm partly within McConnells and later subdivided it to pay medical bills from his first heart attack while on the milk route. He drove himself to the hospital (not recommended) and was conscious during the electric shock procedure (not supposed to happen).

While making Christmas ornaments, he accepted any assignment on the assembly line until he knew all the steps, and as storeroom keeper on the night shift effectively supervised the production line.

Larry was admired and respected by the community residents who gave him a "Larry Appreciation Day" for his work with them in VISTA.

Larry helped raise an older child and his young cousin who were neglected and in need of assistance.

He is survived by two brothers, Ralph Leon (Darlene) Odden of Frontenac, Minn., and Richard William Thimijan of College Park, Md.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Loyd Thimijan; and three sisters, Frances Steffenhagen, Lucile Steffenhagen and Irene Dankers.

There will be a memorial service and burial at a later date with his father at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church cemetery, West Florence, Goodhue County, Minn. Memorials are preferred to the American Humane Society for animals in recognition of his close association with cats, dogs and other animals.

Bratton Funeral Home, York, is serving the Thimijan family.