Larry "George" Judish

Larry “George” Judish, 76, of Prior Lake, Minnesota, passed away on September 4, 2026, with his beloved wife, Leola, by his side at Methodist Hospital.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake).

Larry will be laid to rest at a later date in June of 2027 at Saint Anthony’s Cemetery in Browns Valley, Minnesota.

On June 11, 1950, Larry George Judish was born to parents George and Josephine (Hoffman) Judish in Browns Valley, Minnesota. Larry was welcomed by his sister Sandy.

He grew up in Browns Valley, Minnesota, where he served as an altar boy, played high school sports, and worked a variety of jobs. He formed many friendships during those years that lasted a lifetime and treasured time spent hunting ducks, geese, and pheasants with his dad.

After graduating, Larry moved to Minneapolis and began a 47-year career with Elk River Concrete/Cretex, advancing through a variety of positions over the years.

On September 30, 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Leola Nigg, beginning a loving partnership that would span nearly 58 years.

Larry and Leola spent their first 11 years together in Minneapolis, where they welcomed their first two children, Hayley and Aaron. In 1979, they moved to Spring Lake in Prior Lake, a place that became their cherished family home, and later welcomed Jarod and Grant. As they raised their four children, Larry encouraged them to learn and enjoy water sports, and all that lake life had to offer. He also devoted time to coaching the boys’ soccer teams. He was proud of each of their achievements as they advanced into adulthood.

Larry and Leola loved life on the lake and, for many years, opened their home to Leola’s large family for summer reunions. In later years, they enjoyed returning to Browns Valley for family gatherings at Wing and Fin Resort on Lake Traverse. To his nieces and nephews, Larry was affectionately known as the “fun” uncle.

Throughout his life, Larry treasured his many friendships and the activities they shared. He enjoyed various activities with family and friends: deer hunting, ice fishing, bowling, snowmobiling, fishing, lake activities, boating... some stuck more than others. An avid reader, he was rarely without a book and could often be found settled into “his” chair. He also took great pleasure in good food—whether grilling at home or seeking out favorite restaurants close to home and while traveling.

Larry and Leola also shared a love of travel, especially to Mexico. For nearly 30 years, they explored new destinations and resorts together with family and friends. In retirement, they extended their time away each year, and Mazatlán became one of their favorite places.

Larry delighted in watching his family grow and was deeply proud of his grandchildren, Britany and Mason, and his great-granddaughter, Ryder. A proud and cherished grandpa and great grandpa, he was lovingly known to them as “Grumpa.”

Larry’s warmth, humor, and love for family and friends will be remembered always, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Larry “George” is survived by his loving wife, Leola; his children, Hayley Hogan, Aaron (ex-wife/family friend Carrie) Judish , Jarod Judish, and Grant Judish; his grandchildren, Britany (Josh) Berg and Mason (Rebecca Landro) Schwecke; his great-granddaughter, Ryder Judish; and his sister, Sandy Jellison. Also leaves behind a large circle of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Josephine (Hoffman) Judish; his brother-in-law, Bob Jellison; and his father- and mother-in-law, Leo and Carol (Plant) Nigg.