Larry Frisbie departed this earth to be welcomed into heaven by his beloved family and friends, who awaited him with open arms. He fought valiantly against multiple terminal blood cancers, ultimately succumbing after a brave battle.
Born on January 28th, 1944, at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea, Larry was the third child of Harold Leroy Frisbie and Mary (Carter) Frisbie. His early years were spent in Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa, where he developed a diverse set of skills, from mechanics to craftsmanship, and a natural talent for problem-solving. Larry loved football rooting on his MN Vikings weekly. Music was always a part of Larry's life, and it was his older sister Ruth who taught him how to play the guitar, setting the stage for a lifelong passion.
Larry attended high school in Lake Mills, IA, where he often quipped that he wasn’t exactly "school material." In 1962, he married Mary Solum (later divorced), and together they were blessed with two daughters, Rhonda and Ranae. The family made their home in Bricelyn, MN, for 18 years, a time Larry remembered fondly. He was a devoted father, never missing a chance to cheer on his daughters at their ball games, often driving hundreds of miles to be their biggest fan. Larry was also an active member of the Bricelyn Fire Department, serving as Chief for several years and earning his EMT certification.
Larry's love for music led him to play in a band called The Dominos, and later, he and his special friend Johnnie Frerichs founded The Country Blazers. The band became a local sensation, playing gigs almost every weekend. Despite his full-time job, band commitments, and attending his daughters' games, Larry also found time to start a business. Along with his brother Don Frisbie and another partner, he co-founded Computer Controlled Machines (CCM), a start-up that began in Don’s garage. The business grew rapidly, and within a few years, they had a large factory employing many in Northfield, MN.
Larry's work with CCM required extensive travel, which led him to meet the love of his life, Diane (King) Frisbie, in Wisconsin. They were united in marriage on October 3rd, 1992, and together they lived life to the fullest. They built a horse farm in Faribault, MN, a place filled with countless cherished memories for family and friends. After suffering a heart attack at 52, Larry decided to retire, which for him meant more time for adventures. He and Diane embraced the RV lifestyle, often escaping the harsh winters of Minnesota for the warmth of Texas, where they made lifelong friends.
Their love for the RV life inspired them to purchase Green Acres Campground in Savannah, TN, in 2013. Larry was 70 at the time, a testament to his enduring spirit and work ethic. In 2018, they sold the campground and settled permanently in Burnet, Texas. Larry recently celebrated his 80th birthday, surrounded by family, friends, and, of course, music. In a bittersweet moment, he even took the stage to sing "Silver Wings."
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mary; his brother Clarence; his sister Laura (Frisbie) Solomonson; and his sister Ruth Ann (Frisbie) Slagle. He is survived by his devoted wife, Diane (King) Frisbie; his two daughters, Rhonda (Frisbie) Hofmaster and her husband John of Owatonna, MN, and Ranae Frisbie and her husband Bill Bruehl of Leander, TX.
He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Shawnda (Pierce) Geiselhart and her husband Matt, with their children Pierce and Bode; Aaron Schrot and his wife Ashley with their children Payton, Easton, Jaxton and Kashton; Carrisa (Schrot) Brown and her children Zayda, Vandon, and Ryatt; and Katie Schrot her child Karina.
His step-grandchildren include Bre (Bruehl) Marcum and her husband Daniel, with their child Daphne; Bobbi Bruehl and her fiancé Shane Thiesse; and Jeff Hofmaster.
Larry is also survived by his brother, Donald Frisbie, and his wife Mary; his sister-in-law Michele (King) Maas and her husband Elroy; and his brothers-in-laws, Steve King and his wife Kathryn, and Jeff King and his wife Michelle. He is remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Larry's legacy is one of love, music, hard work, and a life lived fully. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 14th, 2024, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Michaelson Funeral Home, 1930 Austin Rd, Owatonna, MN. A celebration of Larry's life will follow at 4:00 PM. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather and honor his memory. Following the Celebration of Life, the family invites you to join them for a meal, toasts and sharing of memories, details will be announced at the Celebration of Life.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Larry's name.
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