Age 54, of Robbinsdale. Formerly of White Bear Lake.Taken from us tragically on January 1, 2019. Survived by loving wife, Heather Jeche; his childrenStephanie, Mitchell and Emma; mother, Jeannette; sisterChristine (Gary) Steele; many treasured aunts, uncles, nephews and cousins in the Klimek/Cunningham/Valois/Schmidt and Eng families. Preceded in death by his beloved father Leon. The family moved to California when he was just a baby to be near Dad’s side of the family and some of Mom’s side of the family as well. He spent his formative years camping in the mountains, swimming in the ocean, and enjoying the sunshine. Eventually the family returned to Minnesota 11 years later. He and his siblings enjoyed their Minnesota cousins, especially at the Cunningham farm and foosball at the Valois’ in Como. He was very active in his youth group at Church, which kept him out of trouble during his teen years. Met and married Shawn Lundberg and had his first child, Stephanie at a young age.Circumstances arose which would take Larry back to California where his uncle, Charles Eng, “Uncle Chuck” welcomed him to the West Coast and they became best buddies! Larry returned to school (Cabrillo College, Soquel, CA) where he pursued his AS in Business and Music. In September 1995, he attended the University of Redlands on a vocal music scholarship, where he performed in several musical productions and operas in either lead or supporting Tenor roles. It was his strong vocal performance of Nessun Dorma that won over his scholarship committee and was included in his Senior Performance. His powerful voice and intonation afforded both him and audiences many pleasurable hours throughout his adult life. Larry graduated from the University of Redlands in May 1997, married Sonya Zuker and they lived in Crestline, CA, where Larry and best friend, Eric Fehrenbach opened their own computer business, Economy Upgrades.In 2002, after relocating to Redlands, CA they welcomed their first child together, Mitchell. One of Larry’s many favorite memories was when Uncle Chuck stayed with them and helped them with newborn Mitchell. In 2005, Emma was born and nephew Devon came to spend the summer. Favorite memories of their time in Redlands included their Gold Cup Court neighbors, block parties, University of Redlands family and continued success with the computer business.Shortly thereafter, Larry moved his young family to North Branch, MN to be closer to his parents, sister Chrissy, Gary and nephews Devon and Derek, the many cousins and his first daughter, Stephanie. On their beautiful property, they enlisted the help of family to build out Larry’s dream house. Dad Leon and cousin Rick Schmidt played a large role in completing homestead projects. Larry enjoyed singing karaoke and hanging out at the bakery with cousin Bobby. Many other family activities proved the decision to come home and re-establish family ties was the right one for everyone. Unfortunately, within 13 months of moving to Minnesota, dad Leon passed away and the family dynamics were forever changed. In 2010, Larry and Sonya divorced but made sure that their children always knew they remained surrounded by family love. In fact, the family law judge who oversaw their proceedings applauded their civility and underlying commitment to the children.Larry met his wife, Heather, in April 2014 in Minneapolis. They were immediately inseparable, though each very independent! Marrying in May 2015, their courtship was brief, their loving marriage strong and full of adventures. Not a moment of the 3 ½ years they have been married was wasted. Motorcycle rides to Stillwater (their special town), biking around the parkway and hiking at Taylor’s Falls with Mitchell and Emma, attending music concerts, travels all over the country and multiple trips to Hawaii filled every free day and their vacation weeks. His lifelong passion and talent for musical expression most recently included learning ukulele, fueled by their mutual love of Kauai, having honeymooned and returned there this last November. As a couple, they lived life to the fullest and made many plans for their future together.Working at Metro Transit these last 5 years, Larry has many bus and light rail friends in addition to gym buddies and Rock Camp for Dads performers. Everyone who ever met him remembers the smiling gentle giant with the goatee. Larry “Lar Bear” was fun-loving, adventurous, talented, fiercely loyal and protective of his loved ones.We are all forever grateful for having known him and will hold his essence forever in our hearts. A celebration of Larry's life will be at 3 PM Tuesday, January 8 at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home-Lino Lakes, 7050 Lake Dr. (Cty Hwy 23). Visitation at the funeral home from 12 -3 PM Tuesday.