Larry Stoen

Larry Stoen, age 56, of Highlandville, Iowa, died on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, at the Gundersen Health System in LaCrosse, WI. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 11, 2014, at the Big Canoe Lutheran Church, with Rev. Kathy Wicks presiding. Friends may call from 3:00-6:00 p.m., on Friday at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, 604 South Avenue, Decorah, IA, and also after 10:00 a.m., on Saturday morning at the church. Larry James Stoen was born on November 17, 1957, the son of Sophus and Palma “Polly” (Engan) Stoen in Caledonia, Minnesota. Larry was baptized and confirmed at the Big Canoe Lutheran Church. He attended North Winneshiek Schools. Larry worked construction all of his life. He started tending and laying block for C.H. Construction; Erp Construction in Spring Grove; worked with his brothers; Carlson’s in Decorah; Bruening Rock Products, where he was a foreman at the block plant in Cresco; and then driving dump truck for Bruening’s until his health forced him to quit in October 2012. Larry was married to Susan Solberg in 1986; they later divorced. Larry always was willing to work and was proud of raising his three children. He enjoyed deer hunting, playing cards and cribbage, working on cars, and his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Above all he loved his entire family and spending time with them. Larry was a member of the Big Canoe Lutheran Church and served on the church council. Larry is survived by his three children: Dylan Stoen, Highlandville, IA; Dalton Stoen, Highlandville, IA; and Nicole Stoen, Mason City, IA. His mother: Palma “Polly” Stoen, Decorah, IA. Three brothers: David (Dorothy) Stoen, Decorah, IA; Randy (Stephanie) Stoen, Highlandville, IA; and Jim (Lori) Stoen, Spring Grove, MN. Three sisters: Linda (John) Miller, Corydon, IA; Diane (Leo) Moccio, Spring Hill, FL; and Bonnie (Dwight) Nichols, Highlandville, IA, along with many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Uncles and aunts: Thelma Ellingson, Decorah, IA, Raymond (Darlyne) Stoen, Decorah, IA; Herbert Stoen, Highlandville, IA; Juanita Engan, Dorchester, IA; Barb Haugen, Highlandville, IA; and Maynard Engan, WA. Larry was preceded in death by his father: Sophus “Stoney” Stoen in 2005. One nephew: Dustin Stoen. Uncles and aunts: Erven Ellingson, Kathryn Stoen, Ernest Engan, Janice Engan, Selmer “Sonny” Engan, Earl Engan and Harlan Engan. The family would like to extend a special “thank you” to all who helped Larry the last few months. To some of First Responders in the Highlandville area, especially Chuck and Judy Shuros and Ambulance Drivers. Also to Casey’s on College Drive for the donation jar for Larry. Also an extra special “thank you” to aunt, Barb Haugen and to his sister, Bonnie and husband Dwight for all they have done.