Larry M. Watson

Larry M. Watson, aged 77, of Hastings, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the Minnesota Veterans Hospital in Minneapolis.

Larry was born on May 5, 1947, in Willmar, MN, to Mervin and Maxine Watson. He cherished his childhood in the small town of Crooks, South Dakota, where he and his friends spent their days outdoors, returning home only for lunch and dinner. In high school, Larry was a true athlete, participating in nearly every sport offered, including football, basketball, and baseball.

After graduating from Alden High School, Larry attended Austin Junior College. When his draft number came up as 3 in the lottery, he opted to enlist in the Army. His combat service in Vietnam earned him a Purple Heart. In 1972, he graduated from St. Cloud State University, where he met Brenda, who worked at the university. They married in 1976 and were joyously surprised by the birth of twin daughters, Kelly and Kristina, in 1978.

Larry's career in managing grain elevators took him to several locations before he settled at the Farmer’s Co-op in Hutchinson, MN, where he lived for 28 years. Following a grain explosion, Larry left the elevator business. He later worked as a unit manager at Hutchinson Technologies, then as a customer service representative with Medallion Cabinetry in Waconia, MN, retiring in 2008. Dreaming of "driving south" and escaping the winter, Larry and Brenda embarked on a 2-month trip in January 2010, visiting over six southern states. In Arizona, they found a home to rent and eventually purchase for the winter months in Apache Junction. Larry enjoyed soaking up the sun on the patio, playing pickleball, hiking, and making lasting friendships in their 55+ community.

Larry adored his time with children and grandchildren, particularly on family camping trips. Despite disliking flying, he loved driving, ensuring family vacations were spent exploring the United States. Larry took his most memorable trip home on October 23, 2024. Despite battling Alzheimer's and a recent diagnosis of heart failure, he is now free.

Larry is survived by his wife of 48 years, Brenda; daughters, Kelly (Wes) Schmidt of So. St. Paul and Kris (John) Mullins of Cottage Grove; granddaughters Ella Mullins, Mari Mullins, and Catherine Schmidt; brother-in-law Dale Hanson of Arizona; sisters-in-law Judy Gravenhof and Pat Grimmius of Worthington, MN; brother-in-law Stan (Karen) Wood of Arizona; and many special nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joan Hanson.

A Celebration of Life for Larry will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, November 1, 2024,  at Resurrection United Methodist Church, 615 15th St. W, Hastings, MN 55033 with a visitation starting one hour before the service. Burial will occur at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Arrangements are under the care of Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.