Larry Donald Sticht

Larry Donald Sticht, age 81, of Burnsville, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 30, 2026.

Larry was born on January 18, 1945, in Tyler, Minnesota, to Ralph and Muriel (Smedsrud) Sticht. His childhood took him across California, Montana, and Minnesota before his family eventually settled in Russell, Minnesota. He graduated from Russell High School in 1963.

On August 26, 1967, Larry married the love of his life, Shirley (Tullgren) Sticht, in Minneapolis. Together they built a remarkable life and shared nearly 59 years of unwavering love, partnership, and devotion. Through every joy and every hardship, they remained each other's greatest source of strength. Larry never missed an opportunity to tell Shirley he loved her, and those words remained a constant throughout their marriage until his final day.

Larry dedicated more than 40 years to Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company in Burnsville. He was known for his unmatched work ethic, missing only four days of work throughout his entire career. He believed in showing up, doing the job right, and taking pride in honest work. Those values quietly defined the way he lived his life.

To those who knew him, Larry was a true jack of all trades. There seemed to be nothing he couldn't repair. Whether replacing a transmission, rebuilding a carburetor, rewiring an electrical outlet, or tackling a project around the house, he approached every challenge with patience, determination, and confidence. Family and friends quickly learned that if something was broken, Larry could probably fix it.

Some of Larry's happiest memories were made on the open road with his family. He loved loading everyone into the vehicle and heading off on camping adventures across the country, creating lifelong memories in places like the Black Hills of South Dakota and the mountains of Montana. Those trips were not extravagant; they were simply time spent together, and that was what mattered most to him.

Larry also had a lifelong love of music and singing. His playlist reflected his appreciation for all kinds of artists, from Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond to The Beatles, ABBA, Barry Manilow, and many others. Music filled his home, his garage, his road trips, and his life.

His generosity extended well beyond his own household. After Shirley's mother, Clara Tullgren, was widowed at the young age of 55, Larry became a constant source of support. He was always there to help with repairs, projects, or whatever else was needed. Because Clara lived nearby, she spent countless days with Larry and Shirley, and they even vacationed together. Their relationship was far more than that of a mother-in-law and son-in-law. It was a relationship built on love, trust, and genuine friendship.

The measure of a life is rarely found in accomplishments alone. More often, it is found in how people feel because someone was part of their lives. Larry had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, accepted, and loved. He was the steady presence everyone could count on, the first to lend a helping hand without expecting anything in return, and the kind of man whose quiet example taught lessons that words never could. Those who loved him will remember not only the things he did for them, but how safe, valued, and cared for he made them feel.

Perhaps Larry's greatest legacy was not what he built or repaired, but the person he chose to be every day. He was humble, gentle, patient, and content. He was never one to seek attention or compare himself to others. He met people with kindness, treated everyone with respect, and found joy in life's simple blessings. His calm presence brought comfort to those around him, and his quiet strength left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Above all else, Larry loved his family. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, a cherished grandfather and great-grandfather, and a loyal friend. His love was steady, unconditional, and deeply felt. While his passing leaves an immeasurable void, his example of humility, hard work, generosity, and unwavering love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Muriel Sticht; his infant daughter, Jennifer; and his brothers, Steve and John Sticht.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 59 years, Shirley; his children, Aaron (Heather), Jason (Kimberly), Justin, and Nicole (Jesse) Hills; his grandchildren, Justin, Kara, Tanner, Wyatt, Lydia, and Alexander; his great-grandchildren, Raymond and Leland; his sister, Debbie Sticht; his sister-in-law, Tary Sticht (Steve); along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

A Memorial Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at White Funeral Home, 12804 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, Minnesota, with a gathering of family and friends beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Following the service, guests are warmly invited to continue celebrating Larry's life at a dinner reception at the Dan Patch American Legion Post 643, located at 12375 Princeton Avenue, Savage, Minnesota, a place Larry affectionately referred to as his "Cheers," where he was always greeted by familiar faces and lasting friendships.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Twin Cities Autism Foundation in Larry's memory.

Condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com

White Funeral Home - Burnsville 952-894-5080