Larry Neil Schnortz, age 77, of Duluth, MN, passed away on April 20, 2026, in his home surrounded by family. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave, in Duluth, MN, at 11:00 AM, with a visitation one hour prior. Committal service will follow, at the Duluth-MN Veterans Cemetery, 4777 US-53, Saginaw, MN 55779. A reception will follow the committal service and be held at the American Legion 5814 Grand Ave. Duluth, MN, 55807

Larry Neil Schnortz was born on September 2, 1948, in Hibbing, MN, to Maxine (Chadwick) and Neil Schnortz. Larry spent his formative years on the Iron Range and graduated from Cherry High School as a member of the class of 1966. He then enlisted in the United States Army in 1965 and was stationed in Germany, where he would meet his future wife Gerlinde. The couple were married in Schwaebish-Gmuend, Germany, and celebrated their 56th Wedding Anniversary this past March. Following his departure from the Army, Larry joined the Air Force and attended the Duluth Area Vocational Technical Institute, earning a degree in electrical studies, as well as a mechanic certificate from Eveleth Area Vocational Technical School. He served as a member of the Air National Guards, where he committed 26 years, 9 months, and 11 days, and was also employed by the DM&IR Railroad where he retired.

Larry enjoyed spending his days in the Miller Creek community, visiting and chatting with them, and walking his dog, Buddy. He enjoyed his breakfast dates with his retired railroad buddies, and scratching lottery tickets, sudoku and crossword puzzle. Larry also enjoyed receiving the weekly reader from his neighbor Jack

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Gerlinde Schnortz; sons Patrick and Gordon Schnortz; daughter Jessica (Matthew) Karasek; grandchildren Elijha (Tawny) Newton, Jonah (Tiffany Karasek), Miah Karasek, Noah Karasek, Hailey Schnortz, Taylor Keena, and Gabriel Schnortz; great-grandchildren Andre’ Bennett and Aubree Newton; sister Beverly (Leonard) Wagner; nephews Michael and Timothy Sarkela, Steven Schnortz, and Juergen Schumann; nieces Paula Josephson and Bianca Jockel; and sister-in-law Renate Schumann; and daughter-in-law Mary Schnortz.

He was preceded in death by his parents Maxine and Neil Schnortz; brother Merle Schnortz; and brother-in-law Hans Rudolf.

The family of Larry would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to the doctors of St. Luke’s Aspirus who gave compassion throughout Larry’s medical journey, and to the hospice team, who truly cared for Larry and treated him with dignity in his final days.