Larry E. Klapmeier passed away on Friday, February 24, 2023, at his home in Green Valley, AZ,  at the age of 88.

Larry was born April 23, 1934, the second son of Elmer & Myrtle Klapmeier. Growing up in  Mora, MN, he graduated from Mora High School in 1952.  His father was an entrepreneur in the  dairy processing equipment industry and traveled extensively in various consulting capacities  for private industry and US Trade Missions.

After leaving Mora Larry attended St. Olaf College and the University of Minnesota.  Known as  "a bit of a rebel", he regularly questioned "traditional views".  He enjoyed making people  laugh.  These traits would prove valuable in his later life as an entrepreneur & parent.

While at St. Olaf, Larry met Carol Fickett.  They married in May, 1956 and they honeymooned  with an 8-week trip hitchhiking through 10 different European countries . His sense of adventure  and love of travel continued for his entire life.  With this trip Carol nominated Larry for  membership in the Society of Relatively Handsome Husbands and Chairman of the  Occasionally Annoying Subcommittee.

After spending several years in church administration and youth programs, Larry and Carol  started Pine Acres Retirement Center in DeKalb, IL in 1964.  As the business grew, facilities  were added in Geneva, IL and St. Charles, IL.  Larry was active with several regional and  national health care associations.  In all of his health care work, Larry looked for better ways to  provide service, regularly challenging previously accepted methods.

Similarly, as a father, Larry challenged and motivated his children to know themselves, be  responsive to their communities, and be willing to work hard to achieve their goals. He would  question their plans and then he would support their decisions.

In 1984 Larry and Carol sold their facilities to a Chicago based hospital organization.  In semi retirement they moved to their farm in the Sauk Prairie area of Wisconsin.  Larry was involved in  local and regional organizations including the Sauk Prairie Hospital Foundation, the Wisconsin  Lung Association, The Milwaukee Public Museum,  Kiwanis International, Frank Lloyd Wright  preservation projects, and others.

From their Wisconsin home, and later, from Green Valley, AZ, Larry and Carol continued their  travel adventures, literally traveling the world, near and far.  With grandchildren they visited all  50 state capitals. Their travels included the North Pole via Russian ice breaker, New Zealand to  Norway, Caribbean and Mediterranean waters, Tibet, Easter Island, Antarctica and many  others.  In 66 years of marriage Larry and Carol visited all 7 Continents, over 80 countries, and  numerous World Heritage sites.

Larry is survived by his wife Carol, Ernest (Debra), Alan (Sara), Dale (Patty), Patti Klapmeier Zenaty, Judy (Michael) Robbins, numerous Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.