Larry Karjala 1951 – 2025

As the sun rose on Christmas Eve, Larry Karjala took his final breath, gently released from a life lived boldly and fully. Surrounded by the deep love of his daughters and the compassionate care team at HIA Hospice Heather’s House in Fargo, N. Dak., Larry departed this world as he lived in it – wrapped in connection, purpose, and care.
Born on Nov. 9, 1951, in Wadena, Minn., Larry Michael Karjala spent 74 remarkable years filling the world with curiosity, ingenuity, humor, and presence. He was a man of boundless intellect and hands-on brilliance, driven from childhood by an instinctive desire to understand how things worked—and how to make them better. That spark never dimmed; it defined the inventive, thoughtful, and deeply capable man he became.
Larry was the sixth child of Edwin and Hilja Karjala. In 1955, the family ventured north to Fairbanks, Alaska, where seven formative years fostered Larry’s fierce independence, creativity, and resilience. When the family returned to Menahga in 1962, Larry discovered another lifelong gift – his voice. Under the guidance of his beloved singing coach and enduring friend, Irma Allen, he developed a love of music that stayed with him always. He graduated from Menahga High School in 1970.
On Halloween that same year, Larry married Connie Torvinen. Together, they built a life grounded in family and ambition. While living in Menahga, Larry earned his mechanical engineering certificate, and the couple welcomed daughters LaRee in 1971 and Betsy in 1974. In 1977, they moved to Rockford, Minn., where Larry began his career at PAKO in Golden Valley. Their daughter Marci joined the family in 1979.
The family later settled in New Hope and then North Minneapolis, where Larry began what would become an iconic chapter of his career as a design engineer at Tonka Toys. His creativity helped bring toys to life that would delight generations of children – most famously, Pound Puppies. During this time, Larry was introduced to the Shriners by his friend John Benson, beginning a lifelong commitment to the organization’s mission of providing no-cost pediatric healthcare.
In 1987, Larry returned home to Menahga. After the passing of his parents, he purchased the family home and – true to form – designed and built a sauna from the ground up, crafting each element with precision and pride. His passion for excellence led him to create custom sauna stoves, each one a testament to his unmatched craftsmanship. Larry later joined Polaris in Roseau, Minn., where he designed snowmobiles piece by piece and went on to design the company’s first watercraft.
Larry’s life was expansive – rich with family, friendships, spirited debate, service, and a constant pursuit of knowledge. He was exceptionally intelligent, endlessly curious, and a gifted communicator. Larry didn’t simply enter a room – he filled it. His presence was unmistakable, his opinions well-considered, and his laughter contagious. His record “Tunage” is one testament to his expansive life.
Larry’s pride in his family never wavered. He was a devoted father, a loving grandfather and great-grandfather, and a loyal friend. He found deep fulfilment through volunteer work with the Menahga Area Historical Society and Museum and through his service as a Menahga City Councilman.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Hilja (Marjamaa) Karjala; his daughter, Marci Ombaso; and his former wife, Connie Torvinen.
He is survived by his daughters: LaRee Karjala, and Betsy (Joe) Meyer of Menahga; grandchildren: Allison (Dae) Choi of Bonifacio Global City, Manila, Philippines; Nicholas Meyer of Arlington, Virg.,; and Isabel Meyer of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and great-grandchildren: Xander, Lex, and Cruz Choi of Bonifacio Global City, Manila, Philippines. He is also survived by his siblings: Jeanette Karjala of Menahga; Lorraine (Tom) Whitaker of Omaha, Nebr.; Ernie (Rose) Karjala of Warrenton, Virg.; Sheila (Ronald) Parvi of Menahga; and Duane Karjala of El Paso, Texas, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.
A Celebration of Larry’s Life will be held in the spring of 2026 in Menahga – a fitting tribute to a man whose life was anything but small.
Larry lived large, thought deeply, built brilliantly, and left the world better – and more interesting – than he found it.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Cremation Society of Minnesota Online condolences may be left at www.cremationsocietyofmn.com. 12-31pd