Obituary of Larry L. C. Ojala

 

 

Larry L.C. Ojala (Papapa)

 

Age 83 of Apple Valley passed away January 19, 2022, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s/Dementia.  

 

Proceeded in death by his parents and two sisters.

Survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sue, son Scott (Cheri Spickard), daughter Wendy (Justin Klett), and granddaughters Allix and Jessica.

 

Larry was a loving and devoted Christian who impacted many lives along his journey.  He will be remembered for his smile, optimism, and strong work ethic.  He met Sue in 1958 and she became his forever soulmate.  When not volunteering at church or singing in the church choir, they would spend time in bowling leagues, playing tennis, many card games and outings with neighbors or on the golf course.  

 

Larry was an avid golfer with 6 holes-in-one and multiple course records throughout Minnesota; played in multiple bowling leagues; was a racquetball enthusiast taking 3^rd place at the Senior Nationals; a published author; served in the U.S. Army at Fort Carson, Colorado from 1962-1963, and owned his insurance agency for 40+ years. 

 

He was a proud father spending years watching Scott’s many athletic accomplishments and playing 100s of rounds of golf together.  He always looked forward to annual trips to Arizona to golf with Scott and friends. He loved to listen to Wendy play the piano in concert or competitions and was involved in many of her activities and accomplishments at the University of Minnesota.  Larry ran alongside Wendy in Grandma’s Marathon in 2000 at age 62. 

 

Larry was honored to be called Papapa, the name given to him by his oldest granddaughter Allix, of whom he was in awe of her amazing dance talents.  He spent many days at the soccer fields watching Jessica and her team along with Sue being the team’s honorary grandparents.  Papapa was most proud of Jessica for attending the United States Air Force Academy and becoming a 2^nd Lieutenant in the Air Force in 2020.

 

The Ojala family wishes to thank the staff at Emerald Crest of Burnsville and Allina Hospice for their compassionate care and dedication.

 

A gathering of friends and family will take place Saturday, April 16, 2022 at Valleywood Golf Course in Apple Valley.  Celebration of life starting at 11am with a short memorial service at 1pm.

 

Memorials preferred to Covenant Pines Bible Camp 43696 245th Pl, McGregor, MN 55760