Larry Lee Stickler, 88, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025. Larry was born in Vandalia, Illinois, to Harlan and Nellie Stickler, on January 2, 1937. He graduated from Vandalia High School, class of 1954, where he met and later married his high school sweetheart, Jenna Lambert, on July 26, 1959. With 71 years of history together, Larry and Jenna have often been described as a sweet couple.

Larry received Bachelor of Science (1958) and Masters (1961) degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois. He served in the US Army Signal Corps from 1958-60 at the Signal Corps Research and Development Lab in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.

‍Larry’s engineering career at IBM, Control Data, Honeywell, and two start-up companies involved work in the development of the computer systems we take for granted today, including early work on barcodes and on “plug and play” system compatibility.

Larry was an “Artist Engineer.” In addition to all his technical and mechanical skills, Larry was an accomplished woodworker and furniture maker, and a prolific watercolor artist. The pieces he created for our family will be cherished for our lifetimes.  He loved spending time in his basement workshop making things with his grandchildren. Always curious and a lifelong learner, Larry took classes, read widely, and helped found groups among his friends to discuss scientific innovations. He delighted his children and grandchildren with his surprising ability to wiggle his ears.

Larry is survived by his wife, Jenna Lambert Stickler of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; daughter, Nancy (Rod) Fisher also of Eden Prairie; son Paul (Carolann) Stickler of Lake Forest, Illinois; grandchildren Emily (Alex), Andrew (Taylor), Brian, and Grant; and greatgrandchildren, Levi and Olive.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents and his infant brother Harlan Russell Stickler.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 1:00 pm at St. Luke Presbyterian Church, 3121 Groveland School Road, Minnetonka, MN, where Larry was an active, long-time member.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St Luke Presbyterian Church Legacy Fund (www.stluke.mn/give) or to the donors’ caring choice.