Larry G. Ryder, 78

Larry G. Ryder, age 78, of New Prague, died peacefully at home with his loving partner, Mary, at his side on Saturday, September17, 2022.  Larry was born on November 26, 1943 in Rockford, Illinois to Al and Ethel (Weiss) Ryder.  He graduated from West High in Rockford and went on to attain his BA degree from the University of Illinois. Larry served in Vietnam for 18 months during that war as a Navy Seabee and completed his military service after 2 years. He worked as a sales rep in the men’s clothing industry for 30 years and then finished out his career as a fireworks rep for 20 years.  He belonged to the Northwest Buyers Club and was a past president of the Midwest Apparel Club.

Larry was a proud member of both the American Legion and the VFW.  He served on the New Prague Area Veterans Honor Guard, never missing a service.  His duties included setting out the flags on the graves of all the veterans at the area cemeteries every Memorial Day.  He was a true outdoorsman passionate about both fishing and hunting. He wholeheartedly supported the New Prague Sportsmen Club, Pheasants Forever, and Ducks Unlimited.  He embraced life on the lake completely and was active on the Cedar Lake Improvement Association, the Cedar Lake Sailing Club, the Cedar Lake Aeration System and was past president of the Cedar Lake Regatta Club.  Larry loved nothing more than a ride on his pontoon boat or sitting quietly on the shore, enjoying a cocktail and the company of his neighbors or throwing a ball for his beloved lab, Georgie Girl.  His final ride on the lake was with his daughter and happened just a week before his death.

Larry was a natural conversationalist, with a twinkle in his eye and a ready joke!  He made friends easily and always made one feel like they were then a friend for life.  His signature laugh could be heard across a room!  A devoted father, he coached his daughter’s youth softball team when she was in middle school.  He was also the world’s greatest grandpa, providing precious memories at the lake with his grandsons.

Larry is survived by his loving life partner, Mary Reedy of New Prague; daughter, Shannon (Ben) Dodds of Eagle, CO; grandsons, Sutton, Shaeffer, & Sanders; brother, Kirk (Lucy) Ryder of Nashville, TN; niece, Dr. Rebecca (Charles) Ryder Chivis of Norfolk, VA; nephew, Kirk Ryder, Jr. of Palm Springs, CA; furry best friend, Georgie Girl. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jimmy in infancy.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held Friday, September 30, 2022 at 3:00 PM at Bruzek Funeral Home.  Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM.  Military  honors will be conducted by the New Prague Area Veterans Honor Guard immediately following the service in the mortuary parking lot. Reception to follow at the New Prague Golf Club.

Memorials preferred to the Scott County Fishing Derby (Scott County Sheriff’s Office, 301 Fuller St. South, Shakopee, MN  55379 ATTN: Youth Fishing Derby) OR the Scott County Chapter of “Let’s Go Fishing” (online donations at https://scottcounty.lgfws.com/donations/)

 bruzekfuneralhome.com

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