Larry Ray Kauzlarich of Jordan, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2023 surrounded by his family after a long courageous battle with cancer. Larry was born in Centerville, Iowa on February 16th, 1944. His parents were Julius and Virginia Kauzlarich. His siblings are Judy, Joyce, Janee, Kelly, and Nancy.
Larry grew up in Mystic, Iowa and attended school in Mystic and Centerville. He attended college at Centerville Community College and Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo. where he received a B.S. in History and a Masters in School Administration. He received his Superintendent’s licensure from the University of Nebraska in Omaha. He did additional post graduate education at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. Larry also enjoyed playing baseball and basketball his first 2 years of college.
Larry had a 44-year career in education; 2 years in Nebraska, 26 years in Iowa, and 16 years in Minnesota. He taught Social Science and P.E. for 2 years, was an Elementary and High School Principal for 8 years, and a Superintendent for 34 years.
Larry’s main interest outside of his career was spending time with his family. He enjoyed going to his children’s and grandchildren’s athletic and fine arts activities as they moved through school. He also loved showing his sons and grandsons how to play poker because he didn’t want them to get “shnooked” in college. He loved attending college and professional sporting events with family members, especially grandson Noah. He also enjoyed teaching some of them his ticket buying and selling techniques (sometimes referred to as scalping); which he often said was his flea market; as well as how to always be on the lookout for a perfect open seat and an usher who wasn’t paying attention! Though he moved to Minnesota in 1993 and loved the Twins and Vikings, he remained very loyal to cheering on his favorite team, the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Larry loved to travel. He traveled to all 50 states, most numerous times, 61 countries and all the continents except Antarctica. Larry said he felt blessed that he was able to visit everywhere in the world that was on his bucket list. His wife, Mary, jokingly said he couldn’t call himself a world traveler, unless he traveled to Antarctica. Mary happily joined him if the destination involved a beach, a warm climate, and lots of sun and relaxation.
Larry was married to Mary Lee Scott in 1966. They had 2 children, Dana and Scott. In 1975 they divorced. Larry then was a single parent to Dana and Scott for 4 plus years. In 1979 Larry married Mary Brekke, his “MaMe”’. To this union, Jenny and Jeff were born, joining Dana and Scott and making our family complete. Mary and Larry were married for 43 years, and they would often joke, about 30 good ones!
Larry is survived by his wife Mary, children Dana Miller (Aaron Langsweirdt), Scott (Jeri), Jenny Bahn (Cullen), and Jeff (Kristen); grandchildren Jessica Miller-Johnson (Derek), Jay, Noah, Ansley Miller, their father John Miller, Kade and Patience Kauzlarich (Alexis Myers), Avery, Harper, and Beckett Bahn, and Hayden Ray and Carter Kauzlarich; and great grandchildren Auden Miller-Jones, Elodie Miller-Johnson, and Apollo Esposito. He is also survived by his siblings, many in-laws, and many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. He is joined in Heaven by his loving parents, Julius and Virginia; father and mother-in-law Rolland and Ellen Brekke; sister-in-law Lynda Kauzlarich; brother-in-law, Dave Sturges; special nephew and great nephew Matthew Nieman and Kolton Gonnerman; and special family friend Roxy Bahn.
When asked how he would like to be remembered Larry said he hoped his family saw him as a caring and loving husband, father and grandfather; and to all he interacted with as an educator, he hoped they saw him as a caring, honest, and fair administrator. As evidenced by the outpouring of support and memories shared by family and friends, it is clear to his family this is exactly how he will be remembered. Larry taught his family the importance of family, love, acceptance, humor, honesty and hard work. His legacy will live on in them.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages family and friends to donate to their home schools. In Jordan, donations are encouraged to be given to the Jordan Education Foundation in Larry’s name.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (104 First Street West) in Jordan. A Celebration of Life Service is on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 11:00 AM with a visitation beginning at 9:30 AM at The Ridges at Sand Creek Golf Course (21775 Ridges Drive) in Jordan. A reception will follow.
Cards and memorials can be shared with Larry’s family c/o Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation; 104 First Street West; Jordan, MN 55352.
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Janee Kauzlarich
The best big brother a girl could ever ask for. ❤
Jessica Devine
What a life well lived! I absolutely saw Larry as a caring, honest and fair administrator, but he was so much more than that. He will be missed and remembered. Personally, I will remember his sense of humor and impressive skill to remember people, genuinely recall events. Much love to the Kauzlarich family!
Judith Haugh
I am so saddened to hear this!
Such a nice guy! Always was nice to me & had a smile for me even when he wasn’t feeling well. I will miss seeing you Larry!
Glad you got to travel to all those places!
See you on the other side…
Kevin & Angela Gutzmer
Thinking of you all at this difficult time! The Gutzmer family has many fond memories of Larry and some good stories too. May you all find peace in the memories you have and the amazing family he loved so much!
Susan Howard
Uncle Larry taught me the value of not taking life too seriously and that conformity for its own sake doesn’t benefit anyone. I will miss his irreverence and humor.
Judy Sturges
All my thoughts are in Minnesota today. My brother, Larry Kauzlarich, is gone. He was one of the good guys. I have so many memories of growing up with him. I would very much like to be with my family but it is too much of a trip. My daughter and her family are going to be there. Prayers to Mary and children.
Gary & Mary Wilhelm
We have warm memories of visiting with Larry and Mary at various sporting and school functions. Larry was a truly nice guy and friendly to all. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Scott Kelly
I have fond memories of holidays at Aunt Virginia’s and Uncle Julius ‘s “quiet” (ha!) Mystic home. Larry included! He and my Dad (Uncle Donnie) would talk ‘shop’. They both saw education as a way to provide for their family and give back! With you all in spirit!
-Scott Kelly
Lana Patterson
Thinking of your family at this sad time. Mom, Scott, and I will be giving a memorial to the Jordan Education Foundation in honor of Larry. Uncle Donnie was so proud of Larry and his contributions to the educational world. We send love and prayers to each of you. We admire the love of the Kauzlarich family starting with Aunt Virginia’s wonderful example. Love, Lana Kelly Patterson with Aunt Ruth Kelly
Maty Lee Thielke
Sending love and prayers to Larry’s family. My children had a wonderful father. He was a kind and caring man.
Mary Lee Scott Thielke
Cousin Doug
Hay Mary . Sorry hear that news, he put up a good fight. Sorry I can not make it , in still in Flordia. Larry would be glad to know the Twins are looking great . Have taken in 3 games.take care dear , & give your sisters a hug from me
Lisa Wolff (Lisa Lubner!!)
Oh Mary, I am so very sorry the loss of your Larry!! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
Sending peace and a huge hug!
Lisa Lubner:)
Jess Dewey & Family
Sending love & prayers to you all! Larry was a great man and inspired so many. One of the toughest guys I know! He was always fun to be around. Glad I got to know him through my best friend (niece of Larry- Erica)!
Dar & Sandy Fosse
Mary,
Please accept our condolences on the loss of your husband. Just want you to know we are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Lotsa Hugs your way!
Dennis L`ewis
Mystic brother, KC 1961 vs Yankees a glorious day. Maybe play some catch on the Field of Dreams someday.
Gloves oiled up and in the trunk at all times. Peace.
Jon McBroom
Larry and I first met in 2000 when I went to work as superintendent of Shakopee Schools. We met regularly for lunch with other area superintendents to compare notes, discuss issues, and provide mutual support. It was one of the really good parts of my job. Larry cared greatly about his school district and community. He was one of the really good people in the profession. I will remember him as a true professional and great friend.
Hanson Family
Larry was one of a kind, He will be missed by all. He cared about his family, school and anything else that came his way!! Rest in Peace.
Rose Johnson
Mr. Kauzlarich was the first superintendent who took time to speak to my many questions. I look back fondly on those moments in the old middle school building with Laurie at the front desk. He was always fair and honest about his decisions, even when it was hard. He always remembered me out and about, and I can not recall how many JMS and JHS activities I saw him at throughout the years because it was a lot. With such an amazing heart and smile, he will surely send many messages from heaven to shower you with his presence moving forward. I send prayers of comfort and remembrance as you grieve his loss on Earth.