Larry Smith

Larry Dean Smith, 78, of Crosslake, Minnesota passed away on September 12, 2025.

Larry was born in Brainerd, Minnesota on April 8, 1947 to Eva and Carl Smith.

He grew up in SE Brainerd and attended Harrison Elementary, Franklin Junior High and Washington High School.

Larry excelled in athletics. Particularly, he was known for his basketball skills and baseball prowess. After high school, he entered military service in the US Army. While in the army, he played with many MLB prospects. He was on active duty in Korea during the Vietnam War at the DMZ where he serviced military vehicles and transported them to the battle grounds in Vietnam. Larry loved his country and was a proud veteran.

He married in 1964 and raised his children Dean, Cindy, Kelly and Tony with his former wife. He moved the family around the state chasing his business ventures and eventually settled back in Brainerd where he worked in real estate, property development, new home construction and property management. He was always curious, seeking to be an expert in all of his passions.

During his early adult years, for hobby and enjoyment, he raced snowmobiles, was an avid hunter and played softball, volleyball and golf. Living on Gilbert Lake allowed him to enjoy boating, fishing and water skiing with his family and neighbor friends. He loved rebuilding vintage cars and belonged to the Northern Tin Street Rod Association and later a Corvette Club. He worked hard but always had time for family, especially on Sundays taking his family to his parents’ house and watching the Vikings. Larry was active in his children’s activities and was proud of their achievements. He was a great provider and protector.

Larry later met and married Gail on November 29, 1996 and they shared 29 years of marriage and adventures. They settled in Crosslake and together welcomed their blended family which grew as more grandchildren were born. Holidays at their home were filled with love, laughter, and lots of food. Together their grandchildren brought them joy and laughter. Larry and Gail especially enjoyed their time together wintering in South Padre, TX.

Larry will be particularly remembered for his family values - seeking out and teaching integrity and honesty to those around him. He was a strong man - in mind, body, spirit and conviction, and will be deeply missed.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife Gail; children Dean (Denise) Smith, Cindy (Greg) Swenson, Kelly Hazelwood (Ben), Tony (Becca) Smith; stepsons, Jason (Shelly) Braaten, Josh (Emily) Braaten, and grandchildren Blake (Emily) Smith, Bren (Molly) Smith, Tiffany Smith, Erica (Kevin Ekstrom) Swenson, Jenna (Michael Shea) Swenson-Shea, Gaby Haire, Nolan Hazelwood, Lucy and Liviana Smith, Brandt Patton, and Rolland Braaten, and 7 great-grandchildren. Larry was preceded in death by his parents Eva and Carl Smith and siblings Bruce Smith, Barbara Caruthers, and Corky Smith.

Open visitation will be on Sunday, 10/5/25 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Nisswa American Legion. There will be a private military service held another day.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Larry's honor to your favorite Veteran’s support organization or CRMC Oncology Courage Cabinet Foundation via website or by mail to: CRMC Courage Cabinet, 320 East Main Street, Crosby MN, 56441.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Crosslake.