Lawerence “Larry” Dean Miller, age 81, of Willmar passed away on June 13, at his cabin in Aitkin County, Minnesota.

A celebration of life will take place at Robbins Island Regional Park in Willmar, Minnesota on July 31, from 2-6pm, at the four-season shelter. 

Larry was born on January 2, 1945, in Olivia, Minnesota, the son of Steve and Mary Miller. He grew up in Olivia and graduated from Olivia High School in 1963. Shortly after high school, Larry worked for various telecommunications companies, which took him to remote parts of the country and included locating station units on snowshoes, snowmobiling to jobsites in Yellowstone National Park, and a managerial position in Saudi Arabia. After 30 years of installing equipment and fiber optics, Larry retired from AT&T.

While working in Wyoming, Larry settled in the little town of Daniel. He enjoyed the mountains, riding horses, helping ranchers, hunting, skiing, rafting, and his many friends, especially the cast of characters at the Green River Bar.

After several years out west, Larry moved to West Norway Lake near Sunburg to be closer to his family and friends in Minnesota. One of those friends was Janis “Jan” Beasley, whom Larry had known since high school. The two got married in February of 2015 on a tour boat going down the Colorado River in Arizona. They lived out on the lake for several years before moving to the home they built in Willmar.

Larry and Jan loved taking cruises to different islands and Alaska, visiting resorts in Mexico, St. Croix V.I., snorkeling, and meeting new people.

Larry will be remembered for his ability to always make people laugh. He was a legendary storyteller and generous with his time and talents. He was very proud of his family and told them often how much he loved them.  In keeping with his generosity, Larry donated his body to the University of Minnesota Medical School.

He is survived by his wife, Jan; two daughters, Maribeth VanKirk and Marcia Miller; two grandsons, Emmett Ruff and Isaac Ruff (and fiancé, India Kline); two sisters, Carole Crowder and Kaye (and Kenny) Jorgenson; and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are four step-children, Lisa Skluzacek (and Bryan Felton), Lori Garberding, Kari (and Ron) Nyland and Jason (and Jennifer) Garberding; eight step-grandchildren, Amanda, Kody, Zach, Tiffany, Jacob, Madison, Katelyn, and Max; and six step-great-grandchildren.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Dodie and Steve Miller; sisters, Joan Birk and Jayne Svobodny; brother-in-law, Tom Svobodny; and nephews, Paul Grannes and Tommy Svobodny.