Larry Refshaw, age 87, of Mahnomen, MN, died Tuesday, November 21, 2017, at Sanford Palliative Care, Fargo, ND.

Larry Vernon Refshaw, the son of Elmer and Gyda (Evje) Refshaw, was born in Minburn, IA, on September 18, 1930, where his father worked as a crane operator. His family moved to Mahnomen, MN, in approximately 1931, living and working there for nine years. They moved to Clearbrook, MN, in approximately 1940. In 1952, Larry was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a corporal radio operator in both Texas and California. He served actively from 1952-1954. After he was discharged, he worked on iron ore boats on the Great Lakes. In 1959, Larry moved back to Mahnomen, where he started farming with his uncle, Walt.

Larry married Eileen Elizabeth Dahlke on October 1, 1960. They were married for 57 years.  During those years, they farmed and raised five children, on their farm near Mahnomen. Larry was community minded. He served as a deacon for the First Lutheran Church and was president of the Rider's Club. He also served on the Rosedale Township Board for 22 years.

Larry always loved the outdoors and his greatest memories were hunting and fishing with his brothers, sons and grandchildren. He also enjoyed building and fixing things and giving many of his homemade gifts to his family. Larry loved his family and will be greatly missed.

Larry is survived by his wife, Eileen of Mahnomen; four sons: Rick (Karen) Refshaw of Eagle Bend, MN, Corey (Joan) Refshaw of Mahnomen, MN, Jeremy (Renita) Refshaw of Waubun, MN, and Ryan (Greta) Refshaw of Sitka, AK; his daughter, Wendy (Chuck) Lien of Ulen, MN; 16 grandchildren: Tallack, Ethan, Owen, Molly, David, Wyatt, Charlie Jo, Rachel (Josh), Peter, Jacob, Jessica, John, Josephine, Dane, Ella and Dellane; one sister, Shirley Hoffman of Arden, NC; and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Gyda (Evje) Refshaw and four brothers.