Larrie L. Gray, 77
Winnebago – Larrie Lee Gray, age 77, of Winnebago, MN, formerly of rural Austin, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, St. Marys Campus.
Larrie was born on Jan. 9, 1947, in Charles City, Iowa, to Selmer and Dolores (Swehla) Gray. He graduated from Charles City High School in 1965. Following graduation, Larrie began working for White Tractor Company in Charles City. On Oct. 30, 1965, Larrie was united in marriage to Leigh Dixon and together had six children. The couple later divorced. He also worked as a railroad conductor for Milwaukee Road/Soo Line in Austin for 20 years. Larrie also farmed and raised hogs in rural Austin until his retirement in 2008. In June of 2015, Larrie married Connie Roessler, and the couple enjoyed wintering in Apache Junction, Arizona, until her passing in 2022. Larrie loved the many dogs he had over the years. His most recent four-legged companion, Kit, had been his lifeline; whenever you saw Larrie you saw Kit. He enjoyed fishing with his three oldest daughters on French Lake in Faribault. He also enjoyed his annual family vacation with his whole family to Lake Carlos State Park near Alexandria. Larrie was very proud of his children and grandchildren. We will remember him for his willingness to help others whenever they needed it.
Larrie is survived by his children, Cyndie (Dave) McCormick, Patti (John) Felten, Julie (Chris) Oudekirk, Jenni (Dan) Kimber, and Andy (Erin) Gray; grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew, Zachary, Ashley, Michael, Kayla, Allison, Kylie, May, Samantha, AJ, Wayland, Annika, and Tempe; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Bonnie (Leonard) Tegtmeier; son-in-law, Jess Rinn; sister-in-law, Brenda Gray; nieces and nephews; and beloved dog, Kit.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Connie; parents, Selmer and Dolores; daughter, Christie Rinn; grandson, Michael McCormick; and brother, Charles “Chuck” Gray.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Larrie was held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at St. Peters Catholic Church in Rose Creek, Minnesota, Father James Berning officiated. The visitation was on Friday, Aug. 30, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin and one hour prior to the service at church on Saturday. Interment was in Peace Cemetery, Minnesota Lake, Minnesota.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor’s local Humane Society. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.