Larry Dean Bush

Larry Bush, age 79, of Willmar, died Saturday, March 7, at Carris Health Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Willmar,  Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Raymond with military honors provided by American Legion Post #167 of Willmar.  Visitation will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Larry Dean Bush was born April 24, 1940, in Raymond, Minnesota, the son of John and Delilah (Narragon) Bush. His family moved to Wayne, Michigan, where he grew up and received his education.  In January 1959, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a fighter jet mechanic at Naval Air Station Miramar, San Diego.  He served aboard aircraft carriers ensuring that all fighter jets were in proper operating condition for Top Gun training as fighter pilots learned to take off and land from the carriers. He was successfully discharged from the Navy in December 1962. On October 10, 1964, he was united in marriage to Orlette Thorsrud at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Willmar.  Two children, Jeffrey and Julie, were born into this union. Larry & Orlette lived in Excelsior, Mn and Larry worked for Gabbert’s Furniture. In 1965, they welcomed their first child. In 1968, they moved to Willmar and made their home, welcoming their second child in 1973. They later divorced. Larry worked as a heavy equipment operator for Duininck, Inc. before starting his own equipment and gravel business, Bush Gravel Hauling. He retired in 2008.

Larry was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and the American Legion.  He enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, singing Karaoke, tinkering in the garage, and working on cars, especially restoring his 1956 Mercury.  He also enjoyed motorhoming and trucking across the country with his significant other of 23 years, Judy; and spending time with his family, friends and especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by two children: Jeffrey (and Deb) Bush of Raymond and Julie Bush of Willmar; his significant other, Judy Griffith of Willmar; two grandchildren: Bradyn Bush-Gregory and Hailey Bush-Gregory; and three step-grandchildren: Lauren Arends, Cody Slagter and Colton Slagter.  Also surviving are a sister: Charlene Smith of Willmar; a brother: Harlan (and Jean) Bush of Mounds View; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister: Doris O’Brien.

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