Larry D. Mininger

Larry D. Mininger, 70, of Eau Claire passed away on June 3, 2017 at his residence in Eau Claire. 

Larry was born to Carl and Grace (Creekmur) Mininger on February 6, 1947 in Alma, Michigan.  He attended school his first few years at Smith Allen in Gratiot County and finished school in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin.  He moved with the family in 1957, to a farm near Almena, Wisconsin.  He was drafted into the Army on February 4, 1969 and served his 2 years during the Vietnam War.

Larry was married to Linda Spiess on February 20, 1971 in Minneapolis, MN.  They shared life’s joys and sorrows for 37 years.  Two sons and one daughter were born from this union.  Larry’s son, Larry Jr., tragically died in a drowning accident at the age of 17.  He lost his wife 9 years ago which left him very lonely.  Larry and his wife and family lived in Milwaukee and Minneapolis for several years. He worked as a security guard for several different places over his career.  Larry was happiest when he could help someone out, especially the homeless. He helped them with food, money, rides to wherever, and sometimes a place to sleep.  Larry loved to read especially books on Christianity.  He loved old hymns and his family very much. 

He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Mushetti of Napa, CA; son, Lonnie Mininger of Napa, CA; grandchildren, Nathan, Nicholas, Emily, and Kayla all of Napa, CA; siblings, Patricia (Bob) McCormick of Rice Lake, WI, Ed (Lou) Mininger of Almena, WI, Bob (Charlotte) Mininger of Hardinsburg, IN, Shirley Mininger of Rice Lake, WI, and Sandra Wiebe of Hillsboro, KS.

He was preceded in death by his wife Linda; son, Larry Jr.; his parents Carl and Grace Mininger; and brother-in-law, Kenneth Wiebe.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 9, 2017 at 11:00 am at Smith Funeral Chapel in Eau Claire with Pastor Harry Toews officiating.  Burial will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.