Obituary of Lawrence V. (Larry) Oakes, Jr. (Larry) of Bemidji

 Lawrence V. Oakes, Jr., fondly known as Larry, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2024, at his home in Bemidji, Minnesota, surrounded by his loving family. He was 78 years old.

 Obituary of Lawrence V. (Larry) Oakes, Jr. (Larry) of Bemidji

Larry was born on August 12, 1945, in Duluth, Minnesota, to Lawrence and Margaret Oakes. He grew up with a love for the outdoors, which stayed with him throughout his life. After graduating from Duluth Central High School, Larry went on to earn a degree in Forestry from the University of Minnesota. His career as a forest ranger took him to the serene landscapes of Northern Minnesota, where he worked tirelessly to preserve the natural beauty of the state’s forests.

In 1970, Larry married the love of his life, Susan Thompson. Their marriage of 54 years was a testament to their enduring love and partnership. Together, they raised two children, Michael and Jennifer, instilling in them the same respect for nature and community that defined Larry’s life.

Larry was a man of many talents and passions. An avid fisherman and skilled woodworker, he spent countless hours crafting beautiful furniture and intricate wooden sculptures. His work was celebrated locally, often displayed in community art shows and cherished by family and friends. Larry’s deep connection to nature was evident in his volunteer work with the local conservation groups and his commitment to educating young people about the importance of environmental stewardship.

Those who knew Larry will remember his gentle spirit, warm smile, and unwavering kindness. He had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued, whether he was sharing fishing stories, offering a helping hand, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee with a friend.

Larry is survived by his wife, Susan; his children, Michael (and wife, Karen) and Jennifer (and husband, Dave); his grandchildren, Emily, Ryan, and Claire; and his sister, Carol Peterson. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held on June 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Bemidji Community Church, followed by a burial service at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer in Larry’s honor.

Larry’s legacy of kindness, dedication, and love for nature will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.