"Our prayers are with you and your family Bernice."
In loving memory of
Lawrence William Gathje
March 18, 1942 - February 10, 2017
HOFF FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICE, RUSHFORD, MN 507-864-7771
PETERSON, MN - Lawrence "Larry" W. Gathje, 74, of rural Peterson, MN died on Friday, February 10, 2017, at his home.
Larry was born on March 18, 1942, in Chatfield, MN to LeRoy and Helen (Duschek) Gathje. He was raised west of Chatfield. On June 24, 1966, Larry was united in marriage with Bernice Garrison in Rochester, MN. Larry farmed all of his life throughout Southeastern Minnesota, New York and Colorado. In addition he was an auctioneer, drove milk truck, was a DHIA tester for 12 years, was a well driller for Roweland Well in Chatfield and was a newspaper carrier for the Rochester Post Bulletin. In his spare time he enjoyed bowling, mowing grass, hunting and especially spending time with his family. Larry was a member and trustee at Arendahl Lutheran Church in rural Peterson.
He is survived by his wife, Bernice; three children: Bonnie (Denny Jr.) Brand of Rushford, MN, Lory Gathje of St. Charles, MN, and Bill Gathje of Peterson, MN; four grandchildren: Dustin, Jered, Zach, and Lucas Brand; and by two brothers: Marvin (Donna) Gathje of Kellogg, MN and Donald (Louise) Gathje of Rochester, MN.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents and two nephews, Wayne and Brian Gathje.
There will be a funeral service for Larry at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at Arendahl Lutheran Church in rural Peterson with the Reverend Sarah Brown officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in Rushford and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Burial will be in the Arendahl Lutheran Cemetery.
Leave a memory of Larry and sign his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com
There will be a previously organized fund raiser for Larry also at Arendahl Lutheran Church from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 12, 2017.
Tributes
"Larry was always here to great us as we walked into church. I'm so glad he was able to come out to our place last year to check out our sheep setup, he was always very interested in the girls projects. He will be missed by all. Our thoughts are with all of you. The Goldsmiths"
"Larry, was a wonderful person. Most of all he was a gentle man. Not only with others, but his animals as well. Gone but never forgotten. Love to the family."