Lawrence "Larry" Welk

Lawrence "Larry" Welk, 83, of Aberdeen, passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2014, at ManorCare Health Services in Aberdeen.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 6, 2014, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Aberdeen, with Father Shane Stevens officiating. Burial with military rites will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Aberdeen. Visitation will be 4:00 - 5:00 pm on Sunday, October 5, 2014 at the mortuary with a Liturgical Wake service at 5:00 pm. Arrangements are under the direction of Schriver's Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen.

Larry was born May 1, 1931 in Strasburg, ND to Louie and Katherine (Mattern) Welk. Larry attended country school, and worked with his 5 brothers and 4 sisters on the family farm until joining the military. He was honorably discharged from the army in 1952. Soon after, he met the love of his life while working and going to school in Milwaukee, WI. He and Bernadine (Bernie) Haag were married on September 5th of 1955. They began their family raising children (Warren and Jodie) while living in Milwaukee. Bonnie and Jason were born after the family moved to Aberdeen, SD.

For most of his professional career, Larry was a sales representative who enjoyed piloting his Cessna for work and pleasure. He was an avid reader, self-taught in a variety of subjects. His favorite past times were golf, watching baseball, landscaping and home improvement projects. He cherished playing with his children and grandchildren. Larry was a "Wunnerful" father and husband who enjoyed playing the accordion like his famous uncle Lawrence. Larry loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor. He was a "quick wit"!

Larry was preceded in death by his son Warren, his parents Louie and Katherine, his brothers Willie, Ray and Henry, his sisters Alice Keller, Clara Porter and Rosie Eberline.

Larry is survived by his wife Bernie, his daughters Jodie Welk and Bonnie Osbakken, wife of Robert Osbakken, son Jason Welk and his wife Carrie. Surviving brothers include Pius, Elmer, Pete and his sister Jenny Randgaard. Grandchildren include: Andrew and Lucas (sons of Jason and Carrie Welk), Alysha and Drew (from Bonnie and Robert Osbakken), Alexandra Kahnke, Brittany Schwinger and Ben Fischer from Warrren. Larry is survived by 5 great grandchildren: Grace, Logan, Henry and Lydia Kahnke and Sullivan Fischer.