Lawrence “Larry” Maertens

Lawrence V. “Larry” Maertens, 91, died Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at Mankato House Health Care Center.

Mass of Christian burial will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 1, 2009, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Fr. Samuel Leonard, IVE officiating. Visitation will be held Monday from 4-6 p.m. with a 4:00 p.m. prayer service at Landkamer Johnson-Boman Funeral Home. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. at Calvary cemetery in Mankato.

Larry was born December 6, 1917, in Ghent, MN to Hippolyte and Marie (DeLanghe) Maertens. He was graduated in Marshall, MN in 1935. Larry was united in marriage to Marion E. Clark, September 2, 1940, and joined the United States Army in 1942 during WWII. Larry spent about 39 months in Europe during his active duty. After being honorably discharged, Larry and Marion settled in Mankato. He spent most of his career administering U.S. Department of Agriculture programs in Blue Earth County. Larry was a true gentleman with a kind, amiable disposition and sharp wit. He also enjoyed duck hunting, animals, especially dogs, playing cards and he was a competitive speller well into his late 80s.

Larry is survived by his wife, Marion; four children, Sandra (Vern) Prechel of Waseca, Tom (Silvia) Maertens of Mankato, Mary (Sean Holland) Maertens of Seattle, WA, Tim (Peggy) Maertens of Mankato; 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Larry was preceded in death by two daughters, Jean and Patricia; two brothers and one sister.

Text Only | Photo Reprints