Thief River Falls – Larry Korpi Sr., 75, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
Larry James Korpi Sr. was born September 6, 1949, in Thief River Falls, the son of Elmer and Eunice (Ness) Korpi. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Middle River. Larry attended school in Middle River, graduating with the Class of 1967.
Larry served honorably in the United States Navy for four years, stationed in Warren Grove, NJ. At a random meeting at the local gas station in Tuckerton, NJ, Larry met Audrey Driscoll, and it was love at first sight.
Larry and Audrey were married on April 19, 1969, at the First Methodist Church in Tuckerton, NJ. To this union three wonderful children were born, Larry Jr., Sonya and Reed. In 1971, the family returned to take over the Korpi Family Dairy Farm in Spruce Valley Township, Marshall County, MN. They earned several production awards for their herd over the years.
In 1986, they sold the dairy cattle, and Larry went to work for Cass Clay Creamery for the next 21 years, where he was a quality control man working with farmers from Watertown, SD to the Canadian border. Larry then became a manager at Walmart in Thief River Falls working in various departments. After his retirement, Larry became the neighborhood lawn mower, gardener, and delivery of his produce. Larry was a perfectionist, was very meticulous in everything he did and was a very humble man.
He enjoyed following the Minnesota Twins, talking politics, reading, watching reruns of Gun Smoke and M*A*S*H, and taking drives around the countryside. Then coming home for supper and watching the local weather on the TV. Larry’s favorite hobby was bragging about his family, he loved them very much! He loved to visit and always enjoyed long conversations with family, neighbors and friends.
Larry was currently a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, was a member of First Lutheran Church in Middle River, served on the Middle River School Board and served on the Middle River Co-op Board for many years.
Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Audrey of Thief River Falls; children, Larry (Karen) Korpi Jr., Sonya (Sonny) Arndt, and Reed (Kristie) Korpi; grandchildren, Sarah (Austin) Farnlof; Ryan, Garrett and Cortney; great-grandchildren, Palmer and Flynn; brother, Richard Korpi; special pet, Sam; and many other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation and the service to celebrate Larry’s life took place on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, with Rev. Kristin Ostercamp officiating.
The burial was held at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls. Military honors were provided by the American Legion Post 117, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2793 and United States Navy Honor Guard.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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