Larry Pettis

Larry Iver Pettis, 84, of rural Plainview, passed away unexpectantly at his home on January 23, 2025. He came into the world early at a mere 2 pounds on February 11, 1940, in Kasota, MN to Merrill and Lydia (Morris) Pettis. His early years were spent on a farm in Elysian, MN, he was the second of three children: Dorothy, Larry, and Betty. Larry attended school in Elysian and later his family moved to West Concord where he continued his education.
Larry went to work early in his life. To help his family, he worked for several different farmers and grain elevators, including the West Concord Feed Mill. He then enlisted in the US Navy on August 4, 1960. Larry said that his times in the Navy were some of the best times of his life, and he was a very proud Navy Veteran. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy on July 23, 1964, Larry went to work for Donaldsons Construction out of Dodge Center, MN from 1965 – 1967 installing gas mains throughout the Midwest, including Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
On April 29, 1967, Larry married Jeanette Pipho Walker, they had three children: Amy Nicholson, she died December 15, 2022, Cindy Turner, and Jim Pettis. The family lived outside of Rochester from 1967 – 1973.
Larry worked from 1968 – 2000 in the plumbers and pipe fitters trade as a high-pressure welder for Himec Plumbing & Heating (formerly Sanitary Plumbing & Heating). During this time, he worked on the Prairie Island nuclear plant in Red Wing from 1969 – 1971, which was always a highlight of his working career. In 2000 Larry worked at Dimension Plumbing & Heating until his retirement in 2001. Larry worked on building most every major job in Rochester, MN from the 1970’s through the 2000’s. He was a member of the Local 6 Steam Fitters.
In 1973 he moved his family to rural Plainview, MN where he farmed and raised cattle along with continuing his work in Rochester. Larry loved raising animals and his pets. When Larry retired from the trades, he started building wood projects and built many beautiful items. Larry was a self-taught wood carver and carved many amazing figures. His hobbies and interests were woodcarving, fishing, playing cards, and helping people. He also had many special animal companions throughout the years.
Larry believed in hard work, pulling pranks, and having a good conversation. In the end, he was tired and had finished his work here.
Larry is survived by his loving wife, Jeanette Pettis of Plainview; daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Patrick Turner of LeSueur, son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Dorinda “Dolly” Pettis of Plainview, and son-in-law, Jim Nicholson; four grandchildren, Nathan Turner, Sam (Emma) Nicholson, Luke Nicholson, and Isaac (Alicia) Turner; two great-grandchildren, Walter and Amelia Nicholson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Dorothy Fitzgerald and Betty Lowe, his daughter, Amy Nicholson, and many aunts, uncles, and brother and sister-in-law’s.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 30, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Elgin with Pastor Josh Moldenhauer officiating. Military Rites will follow the service by the Plainview, Elgin, and Millville American Legion Posts. Friends and family may visit from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, at the Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements entrusted to Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel, the guest register may be signed at www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com