Larry Alan Willett

Larry Willett, age 72, of Mankato, passed away on March 8, 2016, at his home.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 11, 2016, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Mankato. Visitation will be held for 1 hour preceding the service at the church. Arrangements made by Mankato Mortuary.

Son of Frank and Lena (Peterson) Willett, Larry was born on February 13, 1944 in Jackson, MN. As a child, Larry thrived on traditional, family farm work and sports. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1962 and attended Mankato State University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in 1967. Larry married Dianne (Pearson) Willett on June 9, 1967. He taught high school English, Health, and Phy Ed in Clarkfield, MN.

Larry was drafted to the U.S. Army in 1969 and ultimately served as a physical therapist in Vietnam until he was honorably discharged in 1971. He and Dianne returned to Mankato where Larry earned a Master’s Degree. They welcomed daughter, Kristin, in 1972 and son, Bradley in 1976. Larry was a constant coach and supporter of all his children’s activities. He never missed a football or basketball game or a track meet. Larry worked in various sales, operations, and management positions at Northland Beverages, Wis-Pak, Katolight, and Fergen Metals until his retirement.

Larry was an avid reader and always enjoyed fishing, especially with close friends and family. He adored his grandkids and loved playing in the pool and towing a horse trailer. He was passionate about good music and enjoyed singing in the church choir. Above all else, his faith in Jesus as his Savior was unwavering.

Larry is survived by his wife, Dianne; daughter, Kristin (and Jeff) Lange of Waconia and Taylor, Jackson, Sami and Ryan; son, Bradley (and Liz) Willett of Mankato and Brody and Bryce; brother, Don, of Kasota; sisters, Lois of Green Isle and Elaine (and Bob) Golberg of Victoria; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law, Floyd and Evelyn Pearson; sister-in-law, Dorothy Willett; sister, Betty Webster and brother-in-law, Ken; brother-in-law, Alfred Grunst and niece, Shelly; brother-in-law, Duane Pearson; nephew, Michael Pearson; and family friend, Jan Lange.