Larry "Lair" Tienter

Larry "Lair" Tienter, age 78, of Lime Springs, IA passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024 at Regional Health Services of Howard County in Cresco, IA.
Larry D Tienter "Lair" was born on April 3, 1946 to Vernon and Leila (Bremseth) Tienter of Forestville township rural Preston, MN. Lair grew up on that farm north of Greenleafton and attended Flying Cloud country school and graduated from Preston High School in 1964. During his high school years, Lair enjoyed playing guitar and singing. With his "Elvis" voice he became popular in his little corner of the world. He and some friends formed a group called the Canteers.
Following graduation, Lair attended Daniel O'Briens School of cosmetology in Rochester, MN and upon graduation, worked at Michael's House of Beauty also in Rochester. In 1972, he relocated to Minneapolis and worked as a hairdresser at Guthrie Theater. In 1975, he moved to Denver, CO where he changed careers and started his own construction business buying and restoring old homes in historic Denver. He was also co-owner/operator of Lickety Split ice cream store by Cheeseman Park.
In 2000, Lair decided that Denver was getting too congested and longed for the rural/small town life again. He and his partner, Tim, relocated to Farley, IA where Lair purchased an 1860's home that was in dire need of repair and restoration. He turned the run down house into a show place and received an award from the Dubuque Historical Society for his accomplishment.
When Lair's partner passed away in 2017, Lair moved to Lime Springs to be closer to family. He purchased a home and quickly filled it with plants and animals. Lair had a green thumb and loved animals. He spent many hours using his carpenter skills building bird houses that were replicas of some of the homes he had lived in or restored over the years. He remained at his Lime Springs home until his death. Lair never lost his sense of humor and quick wit nor his ability to tell good stories. Whether they were fact or fiction, most of us will never know.
Lair was preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Leila, his oldest brother Verdel and brother in-law Larry Gates.
He is survived by his siblings: Vivian (Darrell) Drinkall of Spring Valley, MN, Beverly Waibel of Chaska, MN, Curtis Tienter of Lime Springs, Lynn Tienter of Spring Valley and Charlene Gates of Lime Springs along with several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the Howard County Community Hospice staff for the excellent care and friendships they gave Lair in the final weeks of his life.
No formal services will be held, per Lair's request.