Larry Montello Jr., age 74, of Marshall, Minnesota, died on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at the Divine Providence Health Center in Ivanhoe, Minnesota. Memorial Services are 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 27, 2019 at Christ United Presbyterian Church in Marshall, Minnesota. A reception will follow in the church basement. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, at Christ United Presbyterian Church in Marshall.
Lawrence James Montello, Jr., was born January 24, 1945, to Lawrence, Sr., and Francis (Kerns) Montello in Montclair, New Jersey. He attended high school in Las Vegas, Nevada, before graduating from Southern Oregon University in 1982. He went on to earn several master’s degrees in Geography, Political Science, (in Southern Oregon) and English Literature (at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall).
On May 24, 1974, Larry was united in marriage to Dawn Brown in Ashland, Oregon, and the couple raised 9 children together. They moved all over while Larry owned and operated pet shops and collectible stores, among other professions. On October 21, 2017, Larry was married to Mary Jolitz at Christ United Presbyterian Church in Marshall.
Larry loved running his businesses, caring for animals, and traveling for much of his life. He was a very intelligent scholar who appreciated his education and remained active in politics and his community.
Lawrence Montello, Jr., passed away in Ivanhoe, Minnesota, on June 22, 2019, at the age of 74 years, 4 months, and 29 days. Blessed be his memory.
Larry is survived by his wife, Mary Jolitz-Montello; children, Tasha Montello of Hector, Bryn Montello (and Matt Rich) of Minneapolis, Maureen (and James) Neuenfeldt of Savage, Tristan Montello of Camptonville, CA, Dana Montello (and Celia Horne) of Windsor, NY, Shane Montello (and Jacie Bass) of Seattle, WA, Alex Montello (and Allison Borte) of Seattle, WA, Zena Montello of Bird Island; 4 grandchildren, Talie Montello, Sagan Rich, Sunniva Neuenfeldt, Anastasia Montello; mother of his children, Dawn Brown of Bird Island; sister, Lauralee Runnels of Mira Loma, CA; brothers-in-law, Leslie (and Gail) Jolitz of Shakopee, Bill (and Wanda) Jolitz of Lakeville, and many other relatives and friends.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Francis Montello, and a son, William Montello.