Lawrence John Ryan — Cannon Falls

Lawrence John Ryan, 76, of Cannon Falls, died Friday morning, Aug. 30, 2013, at Reflections Care Suites in Northfield.

Larry was born Feb. 23, 1937, in Ironwood, Mich., the only son born to Frank E. and Mary (Moriarty) Ryan. He graduated from high school in Plainview and went on to serve with the U.S. Air Force until his honorable discharge in 1959.Larry married Rebecca M. Gathje on July 15, 1961, in Plainview. He was a mechanic for Northwest Airlines from 1964, later becoming an inspector. Throughout his Northwest Airlines career, he was a member of IAMAW (International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers) Local No. 1833. In 1975, he started working for the Federal Aviation Administration as an aviation safety inspector until his retirement in October 2001.

While his sons were young, he was involved in their activities, including baseball and Cub Scouts. Larry had a great sense of humor and was known to be a prankster. He enjoyed woodworking and was a mechanic at heart. He could fix anything, except a truck radio! He also served on the Stanton Township planning commission.

He will be remembered for his love of family, especially his grandchildren. He was very proud of all of them!

Larry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Becky; two sons, Anthony (Laurie), of Chanhassen, and Timothy (Heidi), of Hernando, Miss.; six grandchildren, Ashley, Tyler (fiance, Rachel Grace), Noelle, Hayley, Marilyn and McKenna; sisters, Sharon Schneider, of Ogden, Utah, Eileen "Kate" (George) Colbenson, of Grand Meadow, and Patricia (Ross) Peacock, of St. George, Utah; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary; and sister, Mary Ellen.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, Sept. 14, at 10:30 a.m., with visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Red Wing, with Pastor Kristen Schlauderaff officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Reflections Care Suites, Northfield or a charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements by Lundberg Funeral Home, Cannon Falls.

Online condolences may be directed to lundbergfuneral.com .