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Larry E. Saarela Obituary – 4/5/2011


Larry E. Saarela, age 57, of Moorhead, died Tuesday, April 5, 2011, in Essentia Health, Fargo, ND.

Larry was born Jan. 18, 1954, to Eino and Esther (Matta) Saarela, in Wadena. He grew up and attended school in Sebeka, graduating in 1972.

Larry then served in the US Army and was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany.

He married Carol Butzin June 25, 1983, in Sebeka, and they settled in Moorhead.

Larry had most recently worked at Moorhead State University, where he had spent the past 19 years.

Larry was very passionate about his 1978 Camero, and music. He was very knowledgeable about many musicians and their history, and loved playing his guitars whenever he had a chance.

He will be greatly missed.

Larry is survived by his wife, Carol; sisters Shirley (David Norman) Keltto of Manhattan, KS, and Joyce Jampsa of Wadena; brothers Arnold (Carol) Saarela of Delano, and Johnny (Kelly) Saarela of Long Prairie; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; aunts; uncles; and a niece, Jenelle Keltto Mandsager.

A memorial service took place Friday, April 8 at 2 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead, with a memorial gathering one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Inurnment was at Paddock Bethany Cemetery, rural Sebeka.

Obituary, guest book, and video tribute online at www.wrightfuneral.com.

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