Lawrence W. Thostenson

Lawrence “Larry” Walter Thostenson, 71, of Melrose, passed away surrounded by his family  Nov. 30, 2022, at CentraCare-Melrose Hospital in Melrose.

Larry was born July 25, 1951, to Walter and Ruth (Kjeldahl) Thostenson. He grew up in Belgrade, playing with neighbors, loving baseball, setting high school football records, drumming with his band mates, antagonizing his big sister, acquiring carpentry skills from his dad and learning the value of a great conversation from his mother.

Larry graduated from Belgrade High School and attended St. Cloud Technical College for drafting before serving in the Army. His creativity and attention to detail helped build homes and the industries that grew our community during his three decades at Kraemer Lumber in Melrose.

Larry met the love of his life, Karen Haider, at 16 years of age in high school. They married Jan. 29, 1972. The relationship inspired many. He professed his love to Karen profusely, with daily notes and drawings.

Larry was the ultimate father, brother, son, friend and community member. He taught his children to work hard, have fun and respect everyone. People were so fortunate to be in Larry’s world. He showed his love with his quick wit, hilarious pranks, flowers, a sweet little note and music. His personalized CDs have put babies to sleep with lullabies and were the soundtracks to many of our holidays.

Larry never saw a baby he didn’t want to hold, and they were returned with their hair combed in his signature style. His greatest enjoyment was when he became Poppy T. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He had an uncanny knack of connecting with each grandchild individually through sport, music or play.

Larry is survived, loved and celebrated by his wife, Karen; children Shanna Schiffler, Dustin (Cathy) Thostenson and Tessa (Eric) Beuning; sister Nancy Weimerskirch. He leaves behind 11 adored and loved grandchildren Gabrielle, Nate, Isaac and Eli Schiffler; Chloe, Devan, Camille and Darren Thostenson; and Kendall, Sydney and Simone Beuning; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Gary (Kathy) Haider, Jean (Curt) Larson, Joan Hoven and Brenda (George) Kochmann; and many other relatives and friends.

Larry is welcomed to heaven by his loving parents, Walter and Ruth Thostenson; son-in-law Wes Schiffler; brothers-in-law Dennis Weimerskirch and Rollie Hoven; and father and mother-in-law, Lee and Dorothy Haider.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9, and 9:30-10:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, at Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m., Dec. 10, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Vincent Lieser officiating and the Rev. Marvin Enneking concelebrating, with burial at a later date. Military honors will be by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.

The Mass will be live-streamed and found on St. Mary’s Catholic Church website.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.

P-49-1B