Larry  Butenhoff, 87

Larry Thomas Butenhoff, age 87, of Austin, Minnesota passed away Monday, January 1, 2024 at St. Marks Lutheran Home.

Larry was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota to Emil and Margaret (Irvine) Butenhoff on July 13, 1936. He was baptized in the Methodist Church in Alden. He attended Alden Schools and graduated from Alden High School in 1954 where he participated in all sports. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, he was honorably discharged as a Radio Communications Specialist.

Larry married Verona Anna Streyle on April 8, 1960. He worked for Hemmingsen Transfer in Alden, and was a salesman for Marpe’s Garage in Freeborn. He then formed a partnership as B&H Service in Freeborn. He dissolved the partnership in 1976 and formed Larry’s Sales & Service at Alden. He specialized in Kiefer Built Trailers, Snapper Lawn & Garden equipment and many other products. He strived to service and repair what he sold. He served on the advisory boards for companies he did business with. He sold his business and retired in 1997. Larry and Verona then moved to Austin, Minnesota and spent the next 15 years picking up and delivering cars and trucks for several auto dealers in Austin. He enjoyed the travel and scenery in 12 states. He retired from that and enjoyed his shop in his backyard.

Family was very important to him and he had 60 great years with Verona. He enjoyed attending the grandchildren’s school activities and sporting events. They loved going to Grandpa’s and getting golf cart rides. His best pal for 18 years was his rat terrier, Patch, who was always by his side.

Larry enjoyed “The Beauty of the Earth” and the many friends who came to visit when he was in the shop. He enjoyed spending time with his only cousins, Kenneth Irvine and Janice Booze.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Verona; and sister, Barbara Bidne.

Larry is survived by his children, Kris (Perry) Mayer and Todd (Holly) Butenhoff; grandchildren, BriAnn (Kelvin) Minnig, Cassidy Mayer, Tyler Butenhoff (Kaitlin) and Cody Butenhoff; and great grandchildren Finley and Camden Minnig.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 6th at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with the Reverend Mary Kaye Ashley officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 am until the time of the service. Private family interment will be at the Alden Cemetery.