Laurence “Larry” Walz, age 72, of New York Mills, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Sanford Health Broadway Campus in Fargo, N.D.

Larry fought like a true warrior battling pancreatic cancer for 5.5 years, which is an absolute miracle.

Laurence Walz was born on December 30, 1953, in Portland, Oregon, to Cecil Wilson and Rosalie Walz (Fraki). The family moved to New York Mills, in 1955 to live at Grandma Fraki’s house. At a young age Larry grew fascinated with machines, teaching himself to fix them, and thus beginning a lifetime passion. Larry attended and graduated from New York Mills High School as part of the class of 1972. To further his understanding of machinery, Larry went to study at the trade school in Staples, Minn. Larry served in the United States Marine Corps from 1975 until 1977 and was stationed in Hawaii.

When Larry returned to New York Mills, he worked at Burrows Autobody for a couple of years before starting his own shop out of his home. Larry moved to Sacramento, California for a few years working for Terry Arnold’s towing as Terry’s right hand man. In Sacramento he also met the love of his life, Rena Hollingsworth. The couple were introduced to each other at a square dance and after a long courtship they were married on July 7, 2007; they were blessed to have six children Troy, Kimberly, Brian, Jaclyn, Quartnei, and Whitnei.

Larry and Rena moved back to New York Mills in 2001 to the home he had before going to California. He then went back to working in his shop. He was known as a brilliant mechanic, but a far superior auto body man. It was his specialty. He also worked for Wayne’s Repair in Vining, for 20 years and retired in 2020.

Larry enjoyed going to the demolition derbies, camping, hiking and snowmobiling. He enjoyed motorcycling and would ride in the Ronald McDonald Ride when he could. Larry’s family was his life, especially the grandbabies that would melt his tough guy exterior, and the nap times were fought over between Larry and Rena.  He had a soft spot for his critters it didn’t matter what kind they were.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Rosie. Daughter Jaclyn, and sister Kerry (Randy) Fellman.

Deeply loved, Larry’s passing will be mourned by his life partner and wife of 35 years Rena, children: Troy (Venesa West) Walz, Kimberly (Joshua) Hoemberg, Brian Walz, Quartnei Walz, and Whitnei (Tayler Byman) Walz; grandchildren: Mahailah Gulbranson, Brian Gulbranson, Autumn Hoemberg, Jordan Hoemberg, Katelyn Messer, Vanessa (BJ Revering) Schaefer, Julia Walz, Lucas Walz, Greysen Hillman, Kyrie Byman, and Laurence Cruz Byman; his great-grandchildren: Rosie Jovanovich,Aliky Hensher, Ezekiel Gulbranson, and Emery Messer; brother Jon (Tricia) Walz; many cousins, nieces, nephews, many extended family and a host of friends.

Per his wishes a “Larry’s Life Party” will be held in the Fall of 2026.

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Larry’s Tribute Wall.

Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of New York Mills.