Larry Norman was welcomed into this world in Owen Sound on Wednesday, October 13, 1943, by proud parents Norman and Florence (Herman) Kreuger. He was the eldest of four children, with younger siblings Jerry (1948), Ray (1951), and Debbie (1957) later joining him. The Kreuger family operated a mixed farm in Sullivan Township where the children attended S.S. #11 Sullivan. Like many, Larry did not care for school, so he passed on high school and began working.
As a young teenager, Larry travelled south to Goderich where he spent the next few years travelling the Great Lakes as a crewmember of the Algoma. Although understandably nervous, Larry learned quickly and excelled, soon becoming one of the guys. Life then took Larry to Kitchener where he worked as a payloader operator for a couple of years, while boarding locally. He would return home often to visit with friends and family and on one such occasion attended a local dance at Louise Hall. It was here that Larry was introduced to a young woman by the name of Edith Gail McDonald. The young couple soon began dating and were later married on September 14, 1968, at St. Peters Lutheran Church, Sullivan Township. By this time Larry was working for Morrow’s in Hanover, building houses. It was here that he developed and honed many of his carpentry skills which he enjoyed for the remainder of his life. Following a short stint as a heavy machine operator in Durham, Larry, and Edith relocated to a farm in Sullivan Township just North of Dornoch, where Larry returned to his farming roots. A short time later, the couple moved to a 200-acre farm property on Concession 8 in Sullivan, just North of Mooresburg where they began their dairy operation. This was a “big” change for Edith as she went from a new home in Durham to an old farmhouse that was without hydro and electricity. What an amazing woman! The Kreuger family soon began to grow with the arrivals of Karen (1970), Gail (1971), and Travis (1975).
The kids enjoyed life on the farm, and Larry appreciated everything rural life and nature had to offer. In addition to milking 28 cattle, Larry loved his dogs. Smokey, Laddy and Buck were some of his favourite K-9 companions through the years. When not busy working on the farm, Larry enjoyed long walks, enjoying the beauty of all species of trees with the Krug forests being a favourite destination… just ask his kids and grandchildren! The fall colours were a highlight for him as he loved taking in the beautiful colours. Other favourite pastimes included fishing, especially at Klages Lake, and woodworking. At a young age, Travis took a liking to trains and this passion soon grew on Larry. It wasn’t long before he started collecting HO-scale model trains and as they say, the rest is history! Larry devoted countless hours to this pastime as he designated entire rooms of his home to this hobby and his extensive displays. He shared this love with family, friends, and especially his grandkids through the years and was a proud member of “The Boomer’s” – a model railroad club!
Sadly, Larry’s world was turned upside down in the mid 80’s when Edith was diagnosed with cancer. Over the next five years, he continued to care for her, until the disease took her on January 11, 1990. Following Edith’s death, Larry severed a 3-acre parcel of land from the farm and built his retirement home with his own hands. He was sure to include a wood shop in his plans, where he perfected his craft in intarsia woodworking. With his creations in hand, Larry was a regular at the local craft shows and loved sharing his gift for woodworking with others. This was just the tip of the iceberg in terms of Larry’s handiwork through the years, as he either built or helped build a variety of houses and driving sheds in the area as well. Helping family and friends wherever he could.
In 2008, Larry downsized again and relocated to Hanover. Here he enjoyed spending additional time with family and friends. Larry loved spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed hearing about their accomplishments and aspirations. Although not a big traveller, Larry experienced much of North America on a variety of “road trips” through the years. He loved the mountains, and the views they offered, but honesty he was just as happy to be at home working in his shop, with the radio keeping him company! Johnny Cash was a favourite of Larry’s, but he also enjoyed sitting down with a good book. Moonfleet by Robert Faulkner was Larry’s favourite book, and he read it several times, but Charles Dickens was another favourite author, his favourite Charles Dickens book was A Christmas Carol. Those who knew Larry knew he was a great man of faith, and in addition to attending church regularly, could often be found reading from his Bible. Any opportunity to bring family together always brought a smile to Larry’s face, and he treasured the holiday celebrations with family. Like most of us, Larry enjoyed a good meal, with corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, and potato pancakes being at the top of his list. Coffee was another staple in Larry’s diet.
In recent years, Larry’s health declined further and in 2021 he made his final move calling Kelso Villa in Owen Sound Home. Here he was supported by family, friends and staff, enjoying the simple things in life. He will always be remembered as a loving, honest, hard-working man, who was always content with what he had. Although soft spoken, Larry was a tad bit stubborn at times… but who isn’t? But he could always keep the peace. Thankfully, his memory and stories of his life will be passed down for generations to come.
Larry passed away at Hanover & District Hospital on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in his 81st year.
Loving father of Karen (Greg) Smart of Mooresburg, Gail (Jeff) MacGregor of Hanover, and Travis (Miranda) Kreuger of R.R. #2 Chatsworth. Cherished grandfather of Janelle (Charles), Aleesa (Robert), Colton (Morgyn), Ty (Emily), Clayton (Autumn), and Olivia. Larry will be dearly missed by his siblings, Jerry (Lorraine) Krueger, Ray (Barb) Kreuger, all of R.R. #1 Desboro, and Debbie (Bev) Burgess of Owen Sound. He will be fondly remembered by his dear friend and companion Joan. Larry was predeceased by his wife Edith (1990).
A funeral service honouring Larry’s life will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Sullivan Township on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 11 a.m. Spring inurnment in Hanover Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Hanover & District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
