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Dr. Lawrence R. Ringhofer

Long time New Ulm physician, Dr. Lawrence R. Ringhofer, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 12.

Larry was a life-long teacher and learner, always wanting to acquire new knowledge and pass lessons on to others, even up to his last day. He was an incredibly patient man with a beautiful, brilliant mind and an ever-present sense of humor.

Larry was born in Owatonna, MN on December 10, 1932. He graduated from Owatonna High School in 1950, the University of St. Thomas in 1955 (graduating in 3 years) and the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1959. From high school through medical school he finished at or near the top of his class. Larry completed his residency in the Navy in Portsmouth, Virginia and moved to New Ulm in 1962, practicing medicine there until his retirement in 1992. Larry never missed a day of work. His only absence in 30 years was the week of his wife’s death in 1981. He was very proud of delivering over 2,000 New Ulm babies and playing an instrumental role in the structuring of the New Ulm Clinic. He served as Brown County Coroner for several years. He made house calls up until 1965–truly the last of the pioneer doctors.

Larry and his wife Jean married in 1958 and had 7 children together, whom they raised in New Ulm. They were very active community members until Jean passed away in 1981. Larry remarried and had a wonderful 33 year marriage to Jane, spending his retirement years living in a log home he designed and built himself in Northern Minnesota.

Larry was a true “jack of all trades”. He thoroughly enjoyed hunting and golfing, excelling at both. He hunted on the same land in northern Minnesota with friends and family for over 72 years. Traveling cross country and throughout Europe with his family brought him great joy. His curiosity and creativity were evident in his cooking, carpentry, home photography, singing, playing multiple instruments, and tinkering on cars. He found great pleasure spending time in his workshop, planning and creating his next big project.

Larry is survived by his wife Jane, sister Mary Lou Johnson (Dale) his 7 children, Dan (Julia), Cindy Brown (Jim), Paul, Niki Muske (Mike), Steve (Sue), Matt (Wendi), and Sue Hughes (Todd) along with grandchildren Megan, Myles, Annika, Ben, Tedd, Annie, Joe, Jack, Justin, Amelia, Josie, and Addie, and great-granddaughters Juno and Lyla, all of whom he was extremely proud, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean, brother Jerry, sisters Eileen McCarthy and Elizabeth Witt, granddaughter Katlin and grandson William, and life-long friend of over 85 years, Howard Liane.

“Ein Prosit” to a wonderful man and a life well lived.

There will be a celebration of Larry’s life on July 9th from 12-4 at Turner Hall in New Ulm. Memorials are preferred to Essentia Hospice in Duluth.

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