Larry was born in Truman, MN to Henry and JoAnn Ankrum on January 14, 1944. He moved to the Pipestone area to be near family while his dad served in the United States Army. In the early 1950's they moved to California and then back to Minnesota in 1956. Larry went on to serve in the United States Military. After receiving his GED he served in Germany, Vietnam and traveled all over with the military. When he came home to Minnesota he met his wife, Eileen in a small town tavern. On November 13th, 1972 they were married at Saint John's Lutheran church in Kroshel, MN. Larry and Eileen moved to Angus, MN to do some farming and decided to move from there to Deer River. They found out they were pregnant and moved to the family home in Kroshel shortly after. On April 3rd of 1975 their only child, Heather was born. Larry raised his daughter, his 3 grandchildren and nieces and nephews and went on to influence his great grandchildren. Larry was a hard-working, honorable man and helped everyone who needed and would give a stranger the shirt off his back. If you didn't get along with papa you were the problem. Larry loved everyone and everyone loved him!! Larry passed away peacefully in his home March 29th, 2021.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents Henry & JoAnn Ankrum, sisters Judy and Joyce, his wife Eileen Ankrum, daughter Heather Petschke, and grandson Dakota Petschke
Larry is survived by his grandchildren, Bradi & Christopher Hanson, Ashlee & Zaviyar Minich, Colten Petschke, great grandchildren Brooklynn, Nadine, Aiden, Chase, Liam and many other family and friends
A memorial service is planned for Larry on Monday April 12th @ 2:00pm at Saint John's Lutheran Church, 3289 Velvet St, Hinckley MN. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at 1pm and a gathering will be held outside or downstairs following (weather permitting)