Larry Wanous

Larry, age 78, passed away at his home on June 23, 2020 with his wife by his side and under the gentle care of Knute Nelson Hospice. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Larry Robert Wanous was born on August 29, 1941 in Owatonna, Minnesota to George Joseph and Martha Frances (Peach) Wanous. He lived with his family in rural Bixby, Minnesota until the age of 10, then moving to rural Wadena, Minnesota. He attended country schools through the 8th grade and high school in Wadena.

On October 5, 1963, Larry was united in marriage with Dorothy Evelyn Wierimaa at Grace Lutheran Church in Sebeka, Minnesota. Their marriage was blessed with two sons: Scott and Sandy Wanous.

Larry’s career was spent working in construction and carpentry. He took great pride in attention to detail in all of his work. Remodeling projects at Bethany Lutheran Church in Bluegrass and Zion Free Lutheran Church in Wadena were some that he was proud to be a part of. For the last 25 years he was employed at Verndale Custom Homes, retiring in 2008. He always proudly said, “It was the best job I ever had”.

Deer hunting was Larry’s passion. It was precious time spent with his sons and grandsons. Watching NASCAR races and attending two of them in Phoenix, Arizona, going to flea markets and car shows, especially showing his 1946 Chevrolet Pickup, were his greatest interests. Larry and Dorothy enjoyed traveling, going on numerous bus trips in the later years. Their travels took them to Finland, Sweden, Cape Cod, Washington DC, Branson, Arizona, California, and many more places. Serving as a trustee at both Bethany and Zion churches for decades was an honor he cherished. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Preceding Larry in death are his parents: George and Martha Wanous; and his sister and brother-in-law: Georgia Ann (Phillip) Horn.

He is survived by his wife: Dorothy Wanous; sons: Scott (Jill) Wanous of Brainerd, Minnesota; and Sandy (Mary Clasen) Wanous of Sebeka, Minnesota; 4 grandchildren: Nicole (Erik) Abrahamson; Robert (Kari) Wanous; Jack Wanous; and Stephen (Lindsey Wallace) Wanous; 2 step-grandchildren: Nicole and Amanda Clasen; 4 great grandchildren: Adam, Lucas and Clara Abrahamson, and Aleania Wanous; brother: Ronald (Waneta) Wanous of Sebeka, Minnesota; many other relatives and a host of friends.

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