Larry Dean Lace

Larry Dean Lace, 59, passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Minneapolis. Larry was the oldest son of Richard Q. and Elda (Guildner) Lace of Castle Rock.

Larry’s family will be celebrating his life with friends and family during a visitation on Friday, January 8th, 2010 from 4 to 8 PM at the Bierman Funeral Home in Northfield and again at a funeral on Saturday, January 9th, 2010 at 1:00 PM at the Castle Rock United Methodist Church.

Larry was born on July 5, 1950 in Northfield, Minnesota, he was raised on the Century farm that his great-grandfather owned. He graduated from Northfield High School in 1968 and attended the Faribault and Mankato Vocational Technical schools (Currently South Central College of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system) for cooking and baking. Larry worked in bakeries in Medelia and Minneapolis Minnesota before being drafted into the army. Larry was stationed in Turkey during the Vietnam conflict era as a baker. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked in the St. Olaf Collage kitchens for 25 years and for Con-Agra foods in Lakeville. In the early 80’s Larry met Rita (Rodrick) Smith while working at the St. Olaf kitchens. They were married on July 17, 1982.

Larry was a gentle, kind and thoughtful man who loved reading, baking cookies with his grandchildren and serving in many capacities at the Castle Rock United Methodist church, which included being the church’s resident chef. He was also interested in and very proud of his Manx heritage.

Larry is survived by his wife Rita (Rodrick) Smith-Lace of Burnsville, mother Elda (Guildner) Lace of Northfield, children Terry (Dan) Bliss of Northfield, Larry Smith of Burnsville, Kent (Susan) Smith of Burnsville and Tricia (DuWayne) Dixon of St. Louis Park, sister Peggy (Ken) Runge of Northfield, brother Rich (Betty) Lace of Castle Rock, niece Laura Lace of Faribault, nephew Andy Lace of Northfield, 10 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and his many aunts, uncles and cousins. Larry is preceded in death by his father Richard Q. Lace and his sister Patsy Lace. Arrangements are being handled by the Bierman funeral home in Northfield, Minnesota. Interment will occur in the spring at Oaklawn Cemetery in Northfield. Arrangements by the Bierman Funeral Home of Northfield.