Lawrence (Larry) Joseph Ricard, age 86, Beltrami, passed away November 11, 2021, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND after a short battle with COVID pneumonia. 
He was born on January 1, 1935, in Russia Township near Crookston, MN, the son of Henry and Ida (Archambault) Ricard. Larry was baptized and confirmed at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Crookston. He grew up on the family farm in Russia Township and graduated from the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston in 1953. In 1963, he married Elaine Huot of Dorothy, MN. Larry and Elaine made their home on the farm near Beltrami and raised six children together.
After graduating from high school, Larry worked for Bill Miller installing TV antennas. In 1955, he moved to Silver Bay, MN to work for Reserve Mining and continued to work there until 1963 when he returned to Beltrami to farm and make his home with Elaine. While farming, Larry worked at American Crystal Sugar Co. during the winter processing campaigns and later drove school bus for Fertile-Beltrami School. After he quit farming in 1994, he worked various jobs until he joined Garden Valley Telephone Company where he worked until retiring in 2010.
Larry’s Catholic faith was important in his life. He was active in many ministries at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fertile, MN and the Crookston Diocese. Together, Larry and Elaine directed many Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) weekends. Larry also belonged to the Knights of Columbus.
Larry was active in the community and many organizations benefited from his generous service. He served as a township director for Onstad Township for over 40 years. He served in the Minnesota National Guard. He enjoyed volunteering with the Jail Ministry in Crookston, the Tri-Valley Caring Companion program, and Meals on Wheels in Fertile. Together, Larry and Elaine managed the Farmers Union Park and Campground for 10 years from 1995-2004. They enjoyed many motorcycle trips and outings together with Father Jerry Noesen. They enjoyed an Alaskan Cruise and separate trips to Medjugorje and Rome.
Larry had a positive outlook, a ready smile and so enjoyed people. He loved his family dearly. He and Elaine made a great parenting team, fully supporting their children in their sports, music, and other interests. Childhood memories involved lots of camping, snowmobiling, swimming at the lake, working together on the farm, and good times spent with extended family and friends. Larry especially enjoyed his grandkids, proudly cheering them on at their activities. It was great fun when Grandpa would play games with them, one special favorite being “Snorta.” Larry was an avid gardener and was proud of his bountiful harvest each year. He also enjoyed fishing and deer hunting. Larry will be remembered as a man of faith and for the love and kindness, he showed to everyone he encountered.
Larry is survived by Elaine, his loving wife of 58 years and children; Christine, of Saint Louis Park, MN, Nancy (Michael) Vigum of Twin Valley, MN, Steven (Maureen) of Benson, MN, Jennifer (Michael) Christianson of Wyoming, MN, Curtis of Lakeville, MN, and Eric (Meagan) of Carver, MN; grandchildren, Kyle and Sarah Vigum, Holly, Hannah, Grace, and Claire Ricard, Isaac and Andrea Christianson, Noah, Maya, and Sophia Ricard, and Gavin and Mara Ricard. He also leaves behind seven brothers and sisters, Robert (Margo), Dennis (Marlys), Kathleen (David) Wolter, Marilyn (Michael) Sheehan, James (Colleen), David (Barbara), and Phyllis (Edward) Varevice; sister-in-law, Marion Ricard; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Diane Wald; brother-in-law, Leo Wald; brother, Ronald; sisters-in-law, Joanne Ricard, and Jody Ricard; and a granddaughter, Leah Vigum.
Out of an abundance of concern due to the risks of COVID-19, all guests at the visitation and funeral will be required to wear a mask.
Funeral Mass: 11:00 AM, Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fertile, MN.
Visitation: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at the church.
Burial: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Fertile, MN.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Building Fund.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.eriksonvikfh.com
Arrangements with Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home, Fertile, Minnesota
