Larry Holmquist

Larry Russell Holmquist, age 74, of St. James passed away on November 23,2021, at Cottagewood Senior Communities in Mankato, Minnesota. Larry was born in St. James, Minnesota, on February 18, 1947, only child, to G. Ludvig Holmquist and Rudella (Tande) Holmquist. He was baptized and confirmed at Albion Lutheran Church in rural St. James. Larry attended rural country school and graduated from St. James High School in 1965. He enlisted in the army in 1967 and completed basic training/AIT in Missouri, California, Washington, and Florida. While in the army he served as an SP5 and traveled to Germany. He was also stationed in Vietnam using a ground-mounted mortar and M16 during the war. Larry was discharged in 1969 and often talked about how he missed out on going to Australia for RandR by one day. Larry was also a member of the American Legion in St. James. After the army, Larry lived in New Ulm, Minnesota/ and worked various occupations at Hanska City Maintenance, Peterson Well Drilling in Sleepy Eye,and Kraft in New Ulm. Most of his career was spent working overnights at House of Print in Madelia until retirement at the age of 65. On October 10,1975, Larry married Charlene Wensauer from Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Shortly after marriage, they moved to Larry's parent's homestead outside of St. James. Together they raised their 2 daughters, Brandi and Ashley, but later divorced. He continued to live on the homestead until 2021. In his younger years, Larry received the nicknames "Smiley" as he was usually smiling and "Homer" which was short for Holmquist. Larry had a very laid-back attitude and never worried about being on time. He had a unique sense of humor and had a way of turning anything into something inappropriate. He had many comical facial expressions in response to conversations, but the most common was the "one up-one down eyebrows." Larry loved talking with everyone he met and was known for his long white hair and beard; which is many times how conversations with strangers would start. He loved to talk about cars, trucks, tractors, machinery, and how he traveled to 40+ of the 50 states, most of it via motorcycle. Larry's favorite pastimes were listening to polka music on KNUJ, watching Bandwagon, reading newspapers, going to auctions and parades to collect freebies, watching wildlife, catching up with family at reunions, and reminiscing about the "good ol' days" with his red 1970 Chevelle. Larry was a collector of many things, but his most prized possession was his 2 girls. Larry had a profound love of animals, especially his dog and cats. Some of his favorite treats were his Dr. Pepper/ Werther's, bananas/ and Super Fair donuts. As Larry got older and talked about how fast time goes, you would often hear him say "we're only here for a little while, you know, like the country song." Larry is survived by his daughters; Brandi Holmquist (Keith Hesse) of St. James, Ashley (Adam) Johnson of St. James, and one grandson, Talyn Tande of St. James. He is preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be 11am, Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at Albion Lutheran Church, rural St. James, with Rev. Robert Springer officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4-7pm at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James and one hour before services at the church on Wednesday. Military honors will be provided by the St. James Veterans Honor Guard. Burial will take place at a later date at Albion Lutheran Cemetery. You may send the family condolences online at www.sturmfh.com. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in St. James. Visitation 1 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Tuesday, November 30, 2021 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 - 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Visitation 2 10:00 am - 11:00 am Wednesday, December 1, 2021 Albion Lutheran Church 10454 250th Ave. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 11:00 am Wednesday, December 1, 2021 Albion Lutheran Church 10454 250th Ave. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information Albion Lutheran Cemetery-St. James 10454 250th Ave. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Later Date