Larry Spenst

The memorial service celebrating the life of Larry Spenst of Wadena, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 5, at Hope Chapel north of Verndale, with Reverend Neal Malcore presiding. Visitation will be held on Friday at the Johnson-Schuller Chapel in Wadena from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume at Hope Chapel on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. With family by his side, Larry, age 74, passed away October 26, 2022, under the gentle care of Moments Hospice and the staff at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Sauk Rapids, MN. Larry Dennis Spenst was born to Richard and Charlotte (Anderson) Spenst on May 7, 1948, at Langdon, ND. He grew up on a farm and attended country school for grades 1-3, grades 4-5 at Nekoma and graduated high school in Alsen before attaining his bachelor’s degree at UND Grand Forks. A veteran US Marine, Larry served from February 14, 1971, until receiving his honorable discharge in Brooklyn, NY on Valentine’s Day 1973. He exemplified the ultimate behavior of a Marine, “Never lie, never cheat or steal; abide by an uncompromising code of integrity; respect human dignity and respect others.“ These qualities made him an important asset when working as a warehouse and restaurant manager and in the communities where he lived. His kindness also extended towards animals when caring for his dairy herd and farmyard pets. In Darlington, NJ, Larry and Mary “Judith” McEwan were united in marriage on June 29, 1974. They made their home in Queens and Theresa, NY where Larry was a Cub Scout leader. They moved to Deer Creek, MN and later to Wadena. Being community-minded, he was a Deer Creek Lions member, served on the Wadena County Friendly Rider Advisory Board, delivered Meals on Wheels, participated with the Lakes Area Bike Club, and was a Kinship mentor. Playing a good round of Whist was a favorite pastime, too. Preceding Larry in death were his parents, Richard and Charlotte; brothers, Richard and Robert Spenst; and sister-in-law, Bridget Spenst. Loving memories of Larry will remain with his devoted wife, Judy; and son, Peter of Sartell; siblings, Lenard (Sharon), and Gary Spenst; and Glenna Altanson; sisters-in-law, Alice and Liz Spenst; along with a host of relatives and friends. Honorary urn bearers will be the Deer Creek Lions and Hope Chapel Congregation Members. Urn bearer will be Peter Spenst. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Wadena, MN. Memorials may be directed to Wadena Meals on Wheels. (c/o Humphrey Manor Dinning Room, 311 3rd St SE, Wadena, MN 56482.

Larry Spenst

May 7, 1948 - October 26, 2022