To know Larry is to know that he lived life full throttle! However, on Sunday, July 27, after a perfect day in the Black Hills of riding side-by-sides, a good meal and playing some dice with Solveig and friends, of which he took everyone’s money, Larry died peacefully in his sleep.
Larry was born June 2, 1954 to Nubby and Corrine (Kerber) Theis in Shakopee. He attended Shakopee High School where he played varsity wrestling and made it to state! At the same time he was making a name for himself on the Theis tug-of-war team and the local bar arm wrestling circuit! Farming was in Larry’s blood early on so upon graduation he worked on the Theis family dairy farm which he later took over.
Larry has three children and married Solveig (Huseth) Theis, his wife of 33 years. He worked tirelessly to grow the family dairy farm from 1972 – 2005. In 2005, he sold his dairy farm to take on a new adventure in crop farming where he established a farmstead in both LeCenter and Waterville.
Larry enjoyed his family most of all and let them know of it often with his famous hugs that often left you short of breath, but you knew he loved you that much! He also enjoyed farming, motorcycling, side-by-siding, meeting new people with a crushing handshake and a cold beer, and living life with the throttle wide open. Larry never met a stranger, rather a new friend that he would quickly give a nickname that may or may not have been appropriate! When you were with Larry you always felt like you were the most important person. You were always welcome and the door was always open.
Larry is survived by his wife, Solveig; siblings, Sherry Theis, Bruce (Nancy) Theis, Connie (Paul) Doepke, Jesse (Judy) Theis, Cindy (Vern) Pieper, Renee Erickson, Keith (Theresa) Theis; son, Brad Theis (Cara); daughters, Mandy (JB) Randall and Micah (Jeff) Commander. With a heart like his, he also included Erin Baudoin as one of his own. Grandchildren: Keegan, Priya, Sophie, Sulli Commander; Elsie, Gretta, Grace Theis; Declan Randall, Dylan and Jason Baudoin.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Norbert “Nubby” Theis and Corrine (Kerber) Theis; brother, Steven “Hank” Theis; sister, Karen Theis; nephew, Nathan Theis; niece and Goddaughter, Angel Theis.
A service will be held Friday, Aug. 8, 2025 at Westwood Community Church – Chanhassen Campus, located at 3121 Westwood Drive, Excelsior: Visitation at 10 a.m. followed by an 11 a.m. service.
A celebration reception will follow from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Canterbury Park Expo Center located at 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee.
The family respectfully requests consideration of donating to either of the following in lieu of gifts:
https://www.thereadingcenter.org/donate
or
Sheriff’s Youth Project of LeSueur County, 435 East Derrynane Street, Suite 1100, LeCenter, MN 56057
Services were arranged by McNearney – Schmidt Funeral & Cremation, 1220 Third Avenue East, Shakopee.