Larry Gene Luukkonen

LARRY GENE LUUKKONEN August 1, 1948 – February 3, 2021 Larry Gene Luukkonen, age 72, a long time Lake Alice area resident, peacefully entered the Glory of Heaven where he was welcomed into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus and reunited with his loved ones who had gone on before him, in the early hours of Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Larry was born on August 1, 1948 in Wadena, MN to Roy and Mary Ann (Hooker) Luukkonen. As a boy, Larry grew up on his parent’s farm where he learned at an early age, the value of good hard work. He attended country school in Lake Alice Township for several years and then went on to attend the Park Rapids Public School. After high school, Larry entered the Army National Guard where he received his basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. As a young man, Larry ventured to Washington State where he lived his dream of logging in it’s rugged and remote mountains for two years. He then returned home to help on the family farm and work in the woods logging with his father. On June 15, 1974, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ada Marie Frohman. They were blessed with three children: John, Audrey and Leah. Larry and Ada were also very close to their niece and nephew, Shelly and Dean who also richly blessed their lives. In 1980, Larry together with his brothers: Leroy and Leslie started their own logging company. In 1986, he went to work in the Twin Cities for the C.S. McCrossan Road Construction Company. He enjoyed working in this career until his retirement in 2006. Larry was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed passing on his hunting and fishing skills to his children. Throughout his life, Larry raised many exceptional hunting dogs that he took great pride in training. He loved watching his dogs at work in the field or duck ponds. Each spring he looked forward to planting a large vegetable garden to help feed his growing family. Above all, Larry will be remembered as a devoted family man and a loyal and trusted friend. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and soulmate, Ada; his son, John (April) Luukkonen of Wolf Lake, MN and his daughter, Leah Luukkonen of Bemidji, MN; his ten dearly loved grandchildren: Domanic, Cassidy, Analia, Shayla, Ethan, Jesse, Dylan, Bronson, Logan and Victoria; his brother, Leslie (Barb) Luukkonen of Ostego, MN and his sister, Bonnie Karkinen of Park Rapids; as well as a host of dearly loved nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, LeRoy and his sister, LeAnn. A time of visitation will be held from 11 AM to 1 PM on Monday, February 8, 2021 at the Assembly of God Church in Park Rapids. A service will be held at 1 PM officiated by Rev. Tim Wilson. Kirsten Schmid will serve as the organist. The active casket bearers will be Leslie Luukkonen, Robbie Luukkonen, Roy Luukkonen, Tim Schmid, Domanic Madole and Rod Hooker. The Honorary Casket bearers will be: Dean Luukkonen, Paul Frohman, Bob Tesch, Ethan Erickson, Jesse Maxwell and Dylan Maxwell. A lunch will be served following the service at the church followed by burial services at the Lake Alice Cemetery.