Larry A. Donlin

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Donlin, Larry A. Age 86 of Minnetonka, MN passed peacefully at home on March 22. Born October 30, 1930 in St. Cloud, MN to parents Thomas A. and Clara (Ladner) Donlin. Preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mary Tess (Stangl), Clara Ann (Condon), brothers Thomas, Charles and twin brother Gerry. Survived by wife Rita; children Tim (Kathy), Dave (Lorri) and Molly Goodyear (Tim); grandchildren Drew, Kevin, Colleen, Sean, Charlie, Jake and Riley Donlin; and Jack, Ted and Annie Goodyear; and many nieces and nephews. Larry grew up in St. Cloud where he graduated and remained a supportive alumnus of Cathedral High School. After US Army service in Korea, he returned home to attend St. John's University where his extra-curriculars included running hurdles on the track team and operating the campus radio station. Larry claimed one of his college accomplishments was introducing SJU football coach John Gagliardi to Peg, his future wife. Larry met Rita Sauer of Paynesville, MN in 1954 and they were married in July 1956. Rita's father had reservations about his German daughter marrying an Irishman, but they remained happily devoted to each other for over 60 years. Always cheerful, Larry loved to fill the house with music through song and playing the piano. Larry enjoyed a successful business career, largely involved in the garage door and radio control industries, and served a term as president of trade association Door Operators and Dealers of America (DODA). He later owned and directed Electronic Door Lift Co., and building material firms The Donlin Company and Metro Millwork. Larry demonstrated a life-long commitment to public service through positions on church boards, athletic boosters, Rotary, Minnetonka School Board and most notably as mayor of the City of Minnetonka from 1981-1989. He was affectionately known by friends as "Landslide Larry" for having run unopposed in his last mayoral term. The Metropolitan Council bestowed their Citizen of the Year Award to Larry in 1989 for his leadership and sense of vision in dealing with regional issues. The family is most grateful for the attentive care provided by the staff at The Glenn and the Augustana Chapel View Care Center. Mass of Christian burial Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 11am. Visitation one hour prior to the service all at St. Therese Catholic Church, 18323 Minnetonka Blvd, Deephaven, MN 55391. Memorials preferred to: Cathedral High School, 312 7th Ave. North, St. Cloud, MN 56303 cathedralcrusaders.org or National Parkinson Foundation MN 8085 Wayzata Blvd. #100, Golden Valley, MN 55426 parkinsonmn.org Huber Funeral & Cremation Services Excelsior Chapel 952-474-9595 huberfunerals.com

Published on March 26, 2017