Larry Wesley Karkela

Larry Wesley Karkela, age 86, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026. Larry was born on January 1, 1940, in Hibbing, Minnesota, to Emilie (Skoe) and Wesley Karkela, both of whom preceded him in death. He was raised in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, where he developed a strong work-ethic, a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors and the close-knit values of family and community. Larry graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and went on to earn his Master of Science degree in electrical engineering through the University of New Mexico while working at Sandia Laboratories. During his time there, he contributed to the development and testing of nuclear warheads in service to his country. He later returned to Minnesota, settling in the Minneapolis area where he raised his family and built a successful general contracting business, Karkela Construction. Larry was united in marriage to Sharlene (Stenborg) from 1960 to 1977. In 1999, he married Joyce (Sadako), with whom he remained married. He was a devoted father to his son, Steven W. Karkela and Steven's partner, Rhonda Braatz; and his daughter, Lori K. Murphy and her husband, Paul Murphy. He was a proud grandfather to Lori & Paul's children: Maggie (Nick) Zehring, Samuel Murphy, and Eve Murphy, and a cherished great-grandfather to Maggie & Nick's sons; Ezekiel, Aiden, Theodore, and Alexander. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Tom and David Karkela. He is survived by his siblings, Karen (Cush) Minar, Ron (Linda) Karkela, and sister-in-law Peggy Karkela, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. His love of the outdoors was the impetus for him to build his beloved RedPine-7, in the Minnesota Northwoods, where family and friends could find him ready for winter or summer adventures followed by campfires and cigars. RedPine-7 facilitated his love of both snowmobiling and boating. Beyond RedPine-7, his life-long dedication to snow skiing had him visiting Park City, Utah annually for over 45 years, even skiing when he was 82 and conquering black diamonds until well-past his 75 birthday. He was passionate about politics and held strong conservative values. Above all, his Christian faith was central to his life. In his later years, he devoted much of his time and talents to Christian outreach, helping build and remodel homes for those in need, and actively participating in causes he believed in. A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Washburn-McReavy Northside Chapel, 2901 Johnson Street NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place later that day at 4:00 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Tributes

Larry Wesley Karkela

January 1, 1940 - March 24, 2026

Tributes

Larry Wesley Karkela

January 1, 1940 - March 24, 2026

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