Laurance Richard Waldoch

Laurance "Larry" Waldoch, age 81, died on Tuesday June 23, 2026, at home, surrounded by family.

Larry was raised in Forest Lake, Minnesota, on his family's farm, the second oldest of six brothers in a large, close-knit family. As a young boy, he worked at his grandfather's roadside vegetable stand. He frequently claimed how, even as a five-year-old, he could accurately provide the exact change for every customer.

He met his wife, Diane, in seventh grade, when alphabetical seating placed them near each other in class. Diane remembers Larry as the boy in the back row who was always talking with the teacher - perhaps the beginning of his debating skills he would later put to good use. By the end of high school, they were dating, and they married on September 17, 1966. Two weeks later, Larry began law school at the University of Minnesota Law School, graduating cum laude in 1969.

In 1970, the couple moved to Montana, where Larry worked as an assistant to the president of Montana State University, a job he loved. During their years in Bozeman, they enjoyed visiting Yellowstone National Park, took long drives through the mountains, and spent many weekends skiing at Bridger Bowl. While living there, Larry and Diane adopted their daughter, Barbara. Two years later, back in Minnesota, they welcomed their second daughter, Susan.

Once settled again in Minnesota, Larry joined the law firm Lindquist & Vennum, where he practiced law for 44 years before retiring in 2014. He truly enjoyed those years - not only for the work itself, but for the friendships that grew from it and lasted the rest of his life. After retiring, he continued working with two clients, which he enjoyed very much.

As a young boy, Larry developed a love of baseball that carried him through to his last day. He was a devoted Minnesota Twins fan who rarely missed a game. Golf was his other great passion, and it eventually led him and Diane to buy a vacation home in Florida, which they enjoyed for over sixteen years. He was a lifelong learner and an enthusiastic reader who started every morning with the newspaper. He could frequently be found in his favorite chair, with a thick book in hand.

Larry will be remembered for his curiosity, his sharp intellect, and above all his gift for storytelling. Family and friends will especially miss the excitement on his face as he told a story carefully guiding it toward a perfectly timed punch line.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lucille Waldoch; his brothers Gene Waldoch and Joseph Waldoch, Jr.; and his sister-in-law Patricia (Corbett) Waldoch. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Diane; daughters Barbara Waldoch and Susan Waldoch; brothers Nicholas (Kathy) Waldoch, Donald (Sheila) Waldoch, and John (Barb) Waldoch; sisters-in-law Faith Waldoch and Patti Waldoch, 19 nieces and nephews and grand-dogs Luc and Bella.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 4:30-7:00p.m. at Dellwood Hills Country Club (29 East Highway 96, Dellwood, Minnesota 55110), with a tribute at 5:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to theMayo Clinic or the White Bear Area Food Shelf.