Molenaar, Larry Jon, age 73, died April 5, 2019. Born October 19, 1945 of Dutch parents Cornelius and Pearl (Hoekstra) Molenaar in rural Raymond, Chippewa County, Minnesota, Larry farmed with his family and attended the U of M in St. Paul studying agribusiness. He enlisted in the Army in May, 1967, trained on microwave radio communication, and served in Viet Nam from September, 1968 through April, 1970 in the 3 ^rd Battalion, 52 ^nd Signal Corp.  Larry married his best friend, Joan Flandrick, in August, 1969, just a scant few years after meeting on a blind date. In the nearly 50 years of marriage they were blessed with, they shared their passions and dreams, labors and challenges, child-rearing and love, earning a tight-knit, close family.  Using his skills from his service, Larry worked as a telecommunications and network analyst for Northwestern Bell, Media One, and U.S. West from May, 1970 until September, 1996, earning a disability retirement. He was active in the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 7200, serving as a union steward for many years. A football and baseball athlete in high school, Larry also played slow pitch softball in the 1970's on teams of telecommunications workers sponsored by local establishments.  The Minnesota Vikings and Twins were humorously referred to as Larry's second religion, as he faithfully watched or listened to games from 1961 on. You would always find him attired in purple and gold, or blue and red, supporting his favorite teams, no matter if the seasons were good or poor.  Larry was an avid fisherman and hunter and took great pleasure in watching his children and grandchildren continue these traditions. He looked forward to the annual family fishing trip over Memorial Day weekend, a tradition since 1974 that he never missed. The noise and chaos on these trips of – in later years - up to 25 children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and in-laws, and friends always brought a smile to his face. Reflecting his farming heritage, Larry was also an avid gardener, land steward, and handyman.  From the early 1970's until his death, Larry determinedly struggled to live defiantly with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) which finally overwhelmed his body. He travelled weekly for 22 years to participate in groups such as the MS Achievement Center in St. Paul.  Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius and Pearl (Hoekstra) Molenaar; and brother, Melvyn (Arlys) Molenaar. He is survived by beloved spouse of 49 years, Joan (Flandrick) Molenaar; children, Aaron Molenaar, Jennie (Chris) Chapman, Grace (Jim) Baltich, and Jacob Molenaar; sister, Donna Molenaar and twin brother, Gary (Debbie) Molenaar; brother-in-law, Gary (Dee) Flandrick; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; brothers- and sisters-in-law, and many other loving relatives, friends and colleagues.  Mass of Christian Burial Monday (4/15/2019) 10 AM at St. Gerard's Catholic Church, 9600 Regent Ave. N., Brooklyn Park. Visitation Sunday (4/14/2019) 5-8 PM at Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home, 2005 Branch Ave., Anoka. and 1 hour prior to Mass at church.  Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, Memorials to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or MN Paralyzed Veterans of America.