Lawrence “Larry” W. Gathje, 74, of rural Peterson, Minn., died on Friday, February 10, 2017, at his home.
Larry was born on March 18, 1942, in Chatfield, Minn., 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, Minn. 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, Minn.; Lory Gathje of St. Charles, Minn.; and Bill Gathje of Peterson, Minn.; four grandchildren: Dustin, Jered, Zach, and Lucas Brand; two brothers: Marvin (Donna) Gathje of Kellogg, Minn., and Donald (Louise) Gathje of Rochester, Minn.; and by a sister-in-law, Norma Gathje.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents and three nephews: Wayne and Brian Gathje and Bobby Joe Kriehn
A funeral service for Larry was held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at Arendahl Lutheran Church in rural Peterson, with the Reverend Sarah Brown officiating. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, February 13 at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in Rushford and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Burial took place in the Arendahl Lutheran Cemetery.
Leave a memory of Larry and sign his online guestbook at
Lawrence “Larry” W. Gathje, 74, of rural Peterson, Minn., died on Friday, February 10, 2017, at his home.
Larry was born on March 18, 1942, in Chatfield, Minn., 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, Minn. 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, Minn.; Lory Gathje of St. Charles, Minn.; and Bill Gathje of Peterson, Minn.; four grandchildren: Dustin, Jered, Zach, and Lucas Brand; two brothers: Marvin (Donna) Gathje of Kellogg, Minn., and Donald (Louise) Gathje of Rochester, Minn.; and by a sister-in-law, Norma Gathje.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents and three nephews: Wayne and Brian Gathje and Bobby Joe Kriehn
A funeral service for Larry was held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at Arendahl Lutheran Church in rural Peterson, with the Reverend Sarah Brown officiating. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, February 13 at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in Rushford and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Burial took place in the Arendahl Lutheran Cemetery.
Leave a memory of Larry and sign his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.
A previously organized fund raiser for Larry was held at Arendahl Lutheran Church from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 12, 2017.