Larry E. Stucky

Larry Emmett Stucky of Ogilvie died on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, at his home surrounded by his loving family after an eight-month battle with lung cancer. He was 74 years old.

Larry was born on 10/20/45 at the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis to Evelyn and Russell Stucky. He spent his first five years in Rush City where he was joined by two brothers, then lived two years in New Brighton before moving to a hobby farm by Lewis Lake where he developed a lifelong love of animals. After a few years the family moved into Ogilvie. where Larry had many adventures with his brothers and friends in and around the Groundhouse River. He loved fishing and trapping. He also loved many kinds of hunting including deer, bear, raccoon, duck, etc. He was always up for an adventure and loved being with friends and family creating memories. He graduated in 1963 from Ogilvie High School. Larry joined the Army in 1965 and married Carol later that year. After basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, Larry was stationed in Korea for 13 months, receiving an accommodation for creating a courtroom on base. He also earned a black belt. When Larry returned to the States they were stationed in Georgia where they welcomed daughter Carey. Larry served in the Army for three years and was honorably discharged with the rank of Spec 6. The family returned to Minnesota where Larry attended the Minnesota School of Business, graduating in 1972. They returned to the Ogilvie area, eventually homesteading the land Larry fell in love with as a boy walking the railroad tracks. They logged the land and used the lumber to build his one-of-a-kind home. If friends forgot to bring a hammer when coming to visit, he would borrow them one. When Larry had a project, he liked to get everyone involved. Carey's prayer for siblings came in the form of Kim and Justin. In 1983 he married Kathy and they were blessed with two daughters, Courtney and Natalie.

On his homestead he always had animals and loved having a hobby farm. He had beef cattle including Welsh which he milked (or rather Justin milked). There were horses of various sizes from quarter horses, POA's and miniature. Also had donkeys and mules. They also raised pigs, chickens, turkeys, geese, rabbits and eventually bison. He loved to garden and was proud of the vegetables and flowers he lovingly tended. He also founded Green Thumb Peat products, selling near and far and getting a contract with Nash Finch.

Larry had a 20-year career in court reporting, serving mostly in Pine County. He had many jobs over his life including working in the creamery, janitorial, construction, dock work, bail bondsman, etc. Larry's greatest passion in life was being a musician. He loved entertaining people and he had crowds gather to hear him sing. His children enjoyed their dad's special songs he would sing to each of them. Serenading was his specialty and will hold a special place in their hearts. He had several bands over the years including Whiskey Road, Country Kings, and County Line, and was the house band at Pink Diamond for years and performed at many different clubs, parties, weddings, etc. Larry eventually made the transition to hosting karaoke where he had a "band in the box" and continued to sing and entertain while meeting "some of the finest people from all walks of life." He had a 42-year career in music and treasured the friendships formed and all the great memories.

Larry enjoyed telling and listening to jokes and loved to laugh. He loved to visit and put people at ease. He was constantly teaching and encouraging us all to learn and grow. Whether it was teaching Carey how to type or how to run a trap line, he included everyone and willingly shared his knowledge and expertise. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who shared his wisdom, strength and encouragement. He will be deeply missed. Larry had a lifetime of love and laughter and so much more. His charisma, presence, sense of humor, support, love and kindness will be missed by all that knew him. May God bless and keep him. He was a member of American Legion Post 640 in Ogilvie.

He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. He is survived by his wife Lisa; children Carey Janisch (Curt), Kimberly Stucky (Joe), Justin Stucky (Shanna), Courtney Leddy (Benjamin), and Natalie Hagle (Joshua); 14 grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Mackenzie, Kelsey, Ashton, Ayden, Kiah, Brexton, Quinn, Madelyn, Sawyer, Elston, McCoy, Paisley and Everett; brothers Lonny Stucky (Barb) and Russell Jr. (Diane); aunt Betty Johnson; cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and many, many friends.