Obituary of Lawrence Dale Van Why

Larry Van Why, 57, of Duluth passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on November 12, 2024. Larry was a 1985 graduate of Pocono Mountain High School in Pennsylvania. After high school, he enlisted in the US Army and proudly served for 3 years. He worked security positions, and over 21 years with the St. Louis Co. Sheriff Department-Corrections Division. For the past two years, he worked as a Maintenance Supervisor with D.W. Jones Management, Inc.

He is preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Van Why, Sr., paternal grandparents Lawrence “Peter” Van Why and Margaret (Jones) Van Why, maternal grandparents Walter “Kelly”Dailey and Ruth (Schriner) Dailey, Aunt and Uncle Carol and Ron Miller, Aunt Tonya Stout.

Larry is survived by his mother, Linda (Dailey) Van Why, sister Robyn Van Why of Mountainhome, Pennsylvania, his wife of 23 years, Penny (Olson) Van Why, daughters Erin Olson and Eden Van Why, granddaughters Maeghan McDonell, Maisie Olson-Almond, Mary Olson-Almond, Mia Olson-Almond, along with several nephews, nieces, and cousins. Larry also leaves behind his beloved rescue animals-Isabelle, Maxwell, Bo, Bruno and Tipper.

Larry was a longtime Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies and Flyers fan. He was also a Minnesota Vikings fan (except when they played against the Eagles!). He enjoyed watching football, baseball and years of watching his daughter Eden’s dances, along with his wife. He loved 80’s music and could name almost every song, who sang it, and the year it came out. Larry enjoyed helping family and friends, and always put everyone’s needs ahead of his own. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

A celebration of his life will be planned sometime in the future.