LARRY KALAS

Larry Kalas was born on October 25, 1942, in Slayton, Minnesota to Arnold and Loretta Lentz Kalas. He grew up in Slayton and graduated from Slayton High School in 1960. On June 16, 1962, he and Henrietta “Hank” Vander Bush were married at her parent’s farm near Woodstock, MN. Following their marriage, they made their home on a farm near Garvin, MN and later near Woodstock, MN. Larry worked as a hired man and began taking mechanic courses through the mail. In 1974 they moved to Iona, MN and in 1976 they moved to Slayton. Larry worked as a mechanic for the Murray County Highway Department for over 30 years. Larry could fix anything big or small that was brought to him in need of fixing. Larry and Larry Jr. both enjoyed their camping and fishing trips together over the years. Hank passed away on January 23, 2013. Larry remained in Slayton until 2021 when he moved to Boulder Estates in Marshall, MN. In 2023 Larry moved to Maple Lawn Senior Care in Fulda, MN. Larry passed away on January 4, 2026, at the Murray County Medical Center in Slayton at the age of 83. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Slayton where he served on the church board, and as usher. Larry enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, baking, caring for his lawn and flowers, Nascar racing and collecting Nascar items, his cat Tiny, walking his dog, Sammy, and feeding stray cats.

Survivors include his three daughters and their spouses, Joyce and Kevin Schreier of Avoca, MN, Lori and John Palaschak of Luverne, MN, and Diane and Cal Harms of Freeport, MN, seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, four siblings and their spouses, Audrey and Steve Smith of Slayton, MN, Duretta “Smokie” and Bob Willhite of Slayton, MN, Lyle and Kim Kalas of Tracy, MN, and Janet and Dan Einck of Slayton, MN, and several nieces and nephews and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Hank, son, Larry Kalas Jr, grandson, Tyler Schreier, siblings, Leon Kalas, Eldora and Lee Larson, George and Rosemary Kalas, Arnold “Butch” and Laurie Kalas, and one brotherin-law, Richard Miller.

Funeral Services were at United Methodist Church in Slayton, MN on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Galen Spinler officiating. The organist was Janet Voges. The pallbearers were his grandchildren, Jessica Morris, Ashley Kurtz, Brittany Lenz, Nathan Palaschak, Justin Harms, Jeremy Harms and Bryan Harms. Interment was at Slayton Memorial Gardens in Slayton, MN.

Visitation was one hour prior to the services at the church on Thursday. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton was entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome. com