Larry Lestrud

Larry Duane Lestrud, 85, of Albert Lea, MN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Good Samaritan Center - Albert Lea surrounded by family.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea with a visitation one hour prior. The family will receive friends at a visitation to be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Services in Albert Lea. The service will be livestreamed.

Larry was born October 21, 1939, to Lloyd and Marlys (Hanson) Lestrud in Blooming Prairie, MN. He grew up on a farm in rural Freeborn County. He attended Magnuson Country School and graduated from Austin High School in 1957. He served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1965. In January of 2024, the American Legion Auxiliary in Albert Lea presented Larry with a Quilt of Valor of which he was very proud. 

On July 16, 1966, Larry was united in marriage to Janice (Schenck) at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. Larry and Janice have lived on an acreage south of Albert Lea for 58 years, where they welcomed and raised their three children: Kent, Sandy, and Dan. As an adult, with his wife and children present, Larry was baptized on September 12, 1976, at First Lutheran Church. 

Larry worked as a mechanic at various garages over the years, delivered oil for South MN Oil, and car parts for CarQuest. He was mechanically inclined and was adept at fixing things whether on a vehicle, around the house, or outside. He was meticulous and enjoyed maintaining his vehicles and yard. He was a member of the Albert Lea American Legion and served on the Albert Lea Township Board for several years. 

He had many things that brought him joy, especially all of the stray cats he fed and named. His greatest joy in life were his nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, with another one on the way. He had a knack for knowing the interests of each grandchild and didn’t hesitate to give his two cents (or three) of honest advice. He enjoyed car shows, auctions, traveling, going out to eat, and family gatherings. 

Larry is survived by his wife, Janice Lestrud; his children, Kent (Torun Finhammer) Lestrud, Sandy (Dave) Nelson, and Dan Lestrud; grandchildren, Jake (Cindy) Sprandel, Zach (Micayla) Nelson, Curi (Jen Heerdt) Lestrud, Kaled Lestrud, Mattie Lestrud, Katelyn (Brennan) Hanson, Hunter Lestrud, Kaleigh Lestrud, and Connor Lestrud; great-grandchildren, Emma, Luna, Kolten, Brooks, Karter, and Leif; brothers-in-law, Vince (Gloria) Schenck and Marlin Schenck; his five nieces, Devona, Monica, Amy, Sarah, and Ruth, and their families; and daughter-in-law, JoDee Avery.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Marlys Lestrud; his sister, Darlene Lestrud; his in-laws, Floyd and Josie Schenck; and his favorite cat, Fluffy. 

Blessed be his memory.