Larry J. Herke, age 61, passed away peacefully at 7:40 p.m. on Friday, September 13, 2024. He was surrounded by family and friends, with a serene view of Big Sauk Lake in Sauk Centre, MN.
Larry was born April 25, 1963 in Cedar Falls, Iowa to Larry W. and Sheila J. (Jacobson) Herke. He was a 1981 graduate of Mankato East High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Mankato State University. It was during college that he met his future wife, Debbie. He married Debra Rose Kortuem on December 28, 1985.
Larry served in the U.S. Army and Minnesota National Guard for over 30 years, retiring with the rank of Colonel. After retiring from the Minnesota National Guard, he became the Director of the Minnesota Office of Enterprise Sustainability, focusing on reducing the state government’s use of energy, water, and production of solid waste. In 2019, Larry was appointed Commissioner of Veterans Affairs under the Walz administration, where he promoted new approaches to end veteran homelessness and expanded access to state veteran’s homes. He was medically retired in 2023 following a diagnosis of ALS, a terminal disease that affects military members and veterans at twice the rate of the civilian population.
Larry was actively involved in various organizations, serving as a Board Member of the Minnesota Military and Veteran’s Museum, an Assistant Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America, and a member of the Grey Eagle United Methodist Church, VFW, AMVETS, Jewish War Vets, and the American Legion, where he was a Life Member.
His hobbies included fishing, bicycling, pontooning, reading, gardening, camping, yard work, cross-country skiing, and playing Risk with his sons. He enjoyed tackling a good project.
Larry is survived by his sons: Jon (Meagan), Joe (Laura), and Justin (Anna); granddaughter Maisie Herke; sister April Barton; father Larry W. Herke; and in-laws Chuck and Bev Kortuem.
He was preceded in death by his wife Debbie; mother Sheila Herke; grandparents Joy and Florence Jacobson, and Ed and Ina Herke; and granddaughter June Herke.
A funeral service will be held at 11a.m. Friday, September 20th at the Grey Eagle United Methodist Church. Interment will be at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls following the lunch for family and close friends.
Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 a.m. at the Grey Eagle United Methodist Church.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre. pattonschad.com
