Larry Spitzner

On April 3, 1946, God made a farmer. On Sunday, April 27, 2014, God called that farmer home. Larry Spitzner passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, after a long, hard fight with cancer. Larry Joseph was born on April 3, 1946 in St. James, MN the son of Alois Christine (Diedrich) Spitzner. He graduated from St. James High School in 1964. He was united in marriage to Katherine Keim on April 21, 1979 in St. James, they had just celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. Larry served in the National Guard as a Sergeant from January 12, 1965- January 11, 1971. All of his life, he has been dedicated to raising various animals but his true love was Holstein cows. He took over milking the cows on the family farm when he graduated from high school in 1964 and continued until 2008. He was a 4-H leader for 22 years. Hard work was his passion and he passed that on to all who worked for and with him, especially his four children. He loved to share his endless knowledge and was able to fix anything. He enjoyed Oliver and John Deere tractors and participating in the Threshing Bee with his sons and brother. On the cold winter days, Vikings games were part of his Sundays. After long summer days, he would watch the replayed Twins games late at night. His favorite time of the year was haying season which for him started in May and ended when the snow fell. Larry had a great sense of humor and enjoyed visiting with fellow farmers and friends alike. He loved his grandsons and was most excited for the upcoming arrival of his newest grandchild, Baby Keller. He was a reliable, loving, and intelligent man who lived his life following and trusting in the Lord. Survivors include his wife; Kathy Spitzner of St. James, children; John Spitzner Amanda Petermann of St. James, Brian Spitzner of St. James, Rebecca (Kyle) Keller of Shakopee, Amy Spitzner of Sioux Falls, SD, sister; Dorothy Spitzner of Mankato, brother; Donald Spitzner of St. James, grandchildren; Samuel Spitzner of St. James, Trenton Kettner of St. James, Baby Keller "on the way", mother-in-law; Lila Keim of St. James, sister-in-law; Mary Zimmerman of St. James, nieces nephews; Anthony Zimmerman, Adam Zimmerman, Deanne, Tyler, Kinzie Keim, and special friend Christine Solma. He is preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law; Norman Keim, brothers-in-law; Arthur Keim and Wayne Zimmerman. First Visitation 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday, May 2, 2014 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 - 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Second Visitation 9:30 am - 10:30 am Saturday, May 3, 2014 St. James Catholic Church, St. James 623 4th Street S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 10:30 am Saturday, May 3, 2014 St. James Catholic Church, St. James 623 4th Street S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information Calvary Cemetery- St. James East of town on CR 27 Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081