Larry R. Helfritz, 66, of Austin, died Wednesday at Mayo Health Systems, Austin.

Larry Russell Helfritz was born Feb. 16, 1948, in Austin, Minn., the son of Russell “Stretch” and Lenore (Carson) Helfritz. He attended Austin High School and served in the US Army from 1968 through 1974, doing three tours of duty in Vietnam, and he received the Purple Heart. He returned to the Austin area serving in the National Guard for a number of years and attended Riverland Community College. He was employed by the Gerard Academy for 18 years working as the Night Coordinator.

Larry was married to Lorrie A. Meier on May 17, 2014, at the Little Cedar Lutheran Church in Adams, Minn. He was a member of the Moose Club and the VFW. He enjoyed several hobbies including cooking, reading, walking, trains, music and art.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Russell “Stretch Helfritz and Lenore Helfritz; brother, Richard Thon; sister Lowanda Thon; nephew Ike Thon; and brother-in-law, Chuck Jensen.

He is survived by his wife Lorrie Meier, Austin; children Nicole (Jeremy) Hinkle, Becida, Minn., Russell (Jenna) Helfritz, Austin, Minn., Lance (Becky) Milner, Dodge Center, Minn.; grandchildren, Riann, Alexis and Austin Hinkle, Kaden, Kamryn, Torre and Taelon Helfritz, and Mackenzie Milner; brother, Keith (Dianne) Helfritz, Rosemount, Minn.; sisters, Jeanette Jensen, Lincoln, Neb., DeeAnne Helfritz (Loren Dunham) Fairmont, Minn.; sister-in-law, Fran Thon, Vista, Calif.; nephew, Travis (Karla) Jensen; nieces, Kelly Jensen, Monica (Bryan) Williams and Amy Helfritz.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 21, 2014, at the Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with the Rev. Liz Erickson officiating.  Interment will be in the Marshall Lutheran Cemetery, rural Adams, Minn., with military rites by Adams Post No. 146 American Legion. Visitation will be on Monday at the Clasen Jordan Mortuary from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.

The family prefers memorials.