Lawrence Anthony Praml

Lawrence Anthony Praml, age 84, of Cottage Grove, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2023.

Larry was born on February 27,1939 in St Paul, MN to Joseph and Mildred Praml. And he spent his formative years in the West 7^th neighborhood in St. Paul. He attended St Francis de Salles for elementary and St Thomas Academy for high school.

He enlisted in the US Army where he was a radar telemetry specialist. He carried his pride of country throughout his life. Following his military service, he met and married the love of his life, Mary Ellen (Johnson) and they built a beautiful life of 60 years together.

Larry attended Dunwoody Industrial Institute and had a 32-year career at Xerox. He was an entrepreneur at heart, though. With his wife, he built two small businesses that greatly expanded their personal networks and their global experiences. As owner/operators of LaMar Tours, the couple was able to travel the world together. Larry’s travels included 5 continents, 49 states and inspired many in his family to pursue their own adventures across the globe.

Larry had a tremendous work ethic, often working second jobs to support his family and to live the American Dream. After retiring from Xerox, he had a 16-year career as a mail carrier and worked as a prep cook because he found the work to be interesting and fulfilling. He was also an active community member and took pride as President of the local Jaycees, VP of State Jaycees, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, lifetime member of the VFW, the American Legion and the men’s club at St. Rita’s Church in Cottage Grove.

Proceeded in death by his parents, brothers Ronald (infant) and Joseph, and sister Norma (Naatjes). 

Survived by his wife, Mary Ellen (Johnson), daughter Patti Schultz, sons Larry (Debbi) and Jim (Bridget), 12 grandchildren DJ Schultz, Nikki Hizon (Mark), Lauren McQuinn (Kelan), Maddie Watzka (Jake), Lyndsay, Kasie Schultz, Anthony, Joe, Andrew, Rachel, Josh, Sammie. siblings Nancy Praml and Susan Wozniak and countless relatives and friends.

On behalf of the entire Praml family, we would like to express our appreciation for the wonderful love, care and respect the Veteran Medical Center staff gave to Larry – our beloved husband, dad and papa.

Charities important to Larry:

Shriners Hospital – Shriners Hospitals for Children® | Donate and Send Love to the rescue

Wounded Warriors - Donate to Veterans | Wounded Warrior Project 

Tunnel to Towers - Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) 

St. Jude - Donate now to St. Jude and help kids fighting cancer - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org) 

Masonic Cancer Center - MCC Homepage | Masonic Cancer Center (umn.edu)

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 4-8pm, at Kok Funeral Home (7676 80th Street S., Cottage Grove). Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at St. Rita's Catholic Church (8694 80th St S., Cottage Grove) at 11:00am with visitation one hour prior. Following the mass there will be a luncheon, all are welcome to join.   After lunch, Larry will be interred at Resurrection Cemetery with full military honors.