Larry was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer back in the fall of 2014 and chose not to do any treatments. He was always a pretty private person, so I don't know the exact details of his diagnosis or the treatments that were recommended, but I do know that Larry didn't want to live through those treatments just to prolong his life a few more months. He always lived life on the edge, and that wasn't going to change in his final months of life.
On April 25th, the Brendsel crew got together in Willmar, MN to see Larry and his boys before he headed to Alaska. He had bought a cabin there prior to his diagnosis and he really wanted to get settled in and enjoy it awhile. It was hard for us to understand his reasons for leaving 'home' when he was sick. I know he didn't want to be a burden to anyone, and probably didn't want his family to see him suffer. Unfortunately, he got quite sick as soon as he got to Alaska, so I am not sure how many days he truly enjoyed. We knew his weeks were numbered, so in late May the family back here decided that someone had to get to Alaska to be with him. My mom and her brother Kelly ended up buying tickets to fly there for a week. In the end, they ended up getting the tickets transferred to Larry's two sons' name. I am sure Larry felt more at peace having his kids by his side. I know he was mostly in and out of sleep most days, but in the hours he was awake, they had good conversation and closure. More answers to prayer!
Larry's boys were scheduled to fly back to Sioux Falls on Saturday evening, June 13th, and that afternoon before the boys had to say goodbye to their dad to head to the airport, Larry took his last breathe with his kids by his side.
We celebrated Larry's life on Saturday, June 27th. His ashes were buried in the Colman Lutheran Cemetary, next to family. It was a beautiful service. I hope Larry was watching over all of us. I am sure he would have loved seeing all of the family come together to catch up on life. It was time to start mending the fences.
Larry's beautiful urn that was engraved in Alaska!
So many memories in these pictures.
My Grandpa Harold hugging Nancy. Larry's first wife. We love her like she is still family!
Lonny, Dusty & Kim visiting with Grandma & Grandpa. This was answer to many prayers too!
A flag being presented to the boys for Larry's military service.
The boys putting the urn in the ground.
After the funeral & lunch at the church we all headed to Taya & Chris's for more family time.
It was a fun afternoon!
Bronx & Tash's daughter Allaina!
Bronx & Tash's oldest daughter Kinleigh.
Bronx was all about the watermelon!
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