Larry Lee Richards

Larry Lee Richards, 89, of Ellendale, passed away on November 21, 2024, with his family by his side.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00PM on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at United Methodist Church in Ellendale, with Pastor Randy Cirksena officiating. The family will receive friends at a visitation to be held one hour prior to the service at church. The service will be livestreamed.

Born on March 11, 1935, in Iowa Falls, IA, Larry was a son of the late Abe and Florence (Andrews) Richards. His family eventually moved to southern Minnesota where they farmed. Larry graduated from Ellendale High School in 1953. After high school, he went to Ellsworth College in Iowa Falls for a year. In 1957, Larry joined the United States Army and was based at Fort Carson, Colorado. In 1958, he transferred to the Minnesota National Guard to complete his service. Larry was very proud of the time he served and shared many stories.

Larry married the love of his life Mary (Story) after being pen pals for two years before meeting in person. On December 5, 1959, just five months after that meeting, Larry and Mary were married in Powell Butte, Oregon. Larry and Mary settled in Owatonna, Minnesota, eventually buying a farm near Hope where they loved and raised four children. Active in the community, Larry was a member of 4-H, the Ellendale United Methodist Church, and the Twin County Pork Producers. Larry’s dedication to farming was undeniable and led him and his family to be named Steele County Farm Family of the Year.

Larry farmed for 58 years growing corn and beans, raising cattle and hogs, having a lot of pride in his harvest. Larry loved fishing and hunting. He retired from farming in 2012 and moved to the “cabin” on Lake Inguadona in Remer, Minnesota with his beloved wife. He cherished the many dear friends and enjoyed the lake, his woodshop, and gardening. Larry had a strong faith and lived his life humbly and with integrity.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife and life partner Mary; daughters, Sharon (Bob) Lucas and Jean (Taff) Worrell; a son, Paul (Missy) Richards; grandchildren, Katie (Jake) Riffe, Whitney (Chris) Kyllo, Miranda (Joe) Mizaur, Cassidy (Alex) Battcher, Laura Worrell, Evan Lucas, Wyatt Lucas, Atticus Richards, August Richards; seven (plus one on the way) great-grandchildren; his “extra sons” Rodney Hullopeter and Randy Holz; a sister, Linda (Vern) Stieglbauer; a sister-in-law, Dorene Richards; a daughter-in-law, Joan Maxwell; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Abe and Florence Richards, Larry is preceded in death by his much-loved son, Gary Richards; siblings, Albert Paul (Naomi) Richards, Laurel “Dick” (Alice) Richards, Doris Redman, Naomi (Eldon) Farner, and Dennis Richards; a niece, Debra Zak; and a nephew, Alan Richards.

In lieu of flowers, memorials donation may be made to The ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Blvd. Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209 US.