Lawrence "Larry" Edward Pillatzki, was born on August 1, 1924, in Bellingham, Minnesota, the son of Albert and Anna (Blank) Pillatzki. He was confirmed on May 22, 1938 at St. Lawrence Church in Nassau, Minnesota by Bishop John Gregory Murry. He grew up in the Marietta and Nassau area and attended school in Marietta. On September 07, 1948, Larry was united in marriage to Verna Lorraine Mattson by Father Doerrer at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson, Minnesota. Together they were able to share in 64 years of marriage. This union was blessed with eight children, twenty grandchildren, thirty-seven great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Larry drove a mail truck in Mankato, MN. Upon moving to Benson, he worked at McCarthy Lumber Company and Chevalier Buffalo Farm. He built cabins on Lake Minnewaska and was self-employed making cabinets, installing carpet, and linoleum flooring. Larry was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Catholic Aide. Among the things he enjoyed were fishing, woodworking, deer hunting, camping, visiting friends and relatives, and feeding the squirrels. Larry was called from this life on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at the Bethesda Pleasant View Nursing Home in Willmar. He attained the age of 88 years, 2 months and 21 days. He is survived by his wife, Verna of Benson; his children, Priscilla Iverson of Benson, Daniel Pillatzki of Benson, Pam Markwood (Jim) of Stewart, MN, Tim (Stacy) Pillatzki of Benson, Mark (Colleen) Pillatzki of Benson, Missy Pillatzki (Blair) of Murdock, and Todd Pillatzki (Shelly) of Benson; grandchildren, Jody (Tammy) Pillatzki, Chad Pillatzki, Trista Hahn, Vicki (Eric) Stenmark, Tracy Pillatzki, David Pillatzki, Jr., Amber (Jorge) Benavides, Sean Pillatzki, Heidi Staton, Hope Staton (Rick), Dennis Staton, Jr. (Nikki), Barry (Kelly) Klobes, Tony (Jammie) Klobes, Tessa Klobes, Stephanie (Richard) Ramirez, Syndi Wacha (Joey), Scott Wacha (Jayme), Kayla Pillatzki (Bobbie), Joshua Pillatzki (Leah), and Julie Dutcher; great-grandchildren, Tim, Seth, and Jake Pillatzki, Cody Staton, Brandon and Andrew Moist, Vanessa and Jayden Trinkle, Truong and Dustin Nguyen, Letita and Juan Pillatzki, Omar, Jr., Kaillie and Shyan Yanez, Tyrell Pillatzki, Brandon Gates, Davin, Kaitlyn and Ariyanna Pillatzki, Aaliyah, Austin, Kristah and Jorge, Jr. Benavides, Logyn Rock, Briggs Klobes, Abby Heacock, Shane Aust, Kelsi Ramirez, Logan and Gracie Wrobleski, Rayne Boyd, Tyler, Hayden and Sloane Wacha, Austin Barkley, and Kaberen Fortune; great-great-grandchildren, Matheu and Myila Pillatzki, and Kairon Nguyen; his sister, Teresa Jochum of Willmar; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Larry was preceded in death by his son, David; his parents, Anna and Albert Pillatzki; and siblings, John, Frank, Leo, Leonard, Veronica, and Lenore Bauman.
