Lawrence "Larry" Dobias

Lawrence “Larry” Dobias, age 87 of Hastings, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at The Pillars Hospice House with his loving wife, Jinnie by his side. Lawrence, the son of Vencil and Francis (Brey) Dobias, was born May 18, 1935 in Milroy, MN. Lawrence attended Milroy High School and graduated with the class of 1953. Following his education, he joined the National Guard and served as a sergeant in the US Army for 2 years some of which he was stationed in Germany. On August 27, 1960, he was united in marriage to Virginia (Jinnie) Meyer. They moved to Vermillion, Minnesota, in 1967, where they lived for 48 years. He lived the final years in Hastings, Minnesota. Larry was a hard worker, often working two or three jobs to support his family. He had various jobs some include; farmer, hauling milk and grounds keeper. He worked over 30 years at Cenex. Larry will be remembered for his sense of humor, storytelling, and devotion to his family. Everyone who knew Larry has a good story to tell, either of a joke he played on them, something funny he did, or just a story Larry himself told. He had everyone laughing within a minute of meeting them. If the punchline didn’t get you, his characteristic laugh as he repeated it surely would. Larry seemed to know everyone. Hours spent over coffee in bakeries or gas stations, card clubs, as well as the time he would spend on his front porch, ensured he met as many people as possible. It took a very short time to go from being a total stranger to feeling as though you had been lifelong friends. Larry was a great family man. He was devoted to his wife, Jinnie, as well as each of his children, Michael, Janean, Joan, Mark, and Kevin. His grandchildren loved spending time with him. He had a thousand ways to make children laugh, and as many songs to keep them entertained. He was a man meant to be a father and grandfather. He truly was the rock of his family. Larry is proceeded in death by his daughter Janean (Michael) Dobias Milliren. He is survived by his wife Virginia, as well as his children Michael (Theresa) Dobias, Joan (Bud) Bullivant, Mark (Lisa) Dobias, Kevin (Peg) Dobias, twelve grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton church in Hastings at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will start at 10:00 a.m., preceding the funeral. Burial at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Vermillion will follow, as will a lunch in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Hall. Arrangements are being handled by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.