NEW ULM–Lawrence “Larry” Joseph Czer, age 66 of New Ulm died unexpectedly with his family by his side on Monday, June 26, 2023, at the Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

A celebration of life memorial service will take place at 4 pm on Monday, July 17, 2023, at the Chapel of the Christ on the Martin Luther College Campus in New Ulm. Pastor Nate Scharf will officiate, and burial will take place in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in New Ulm at a later date.

Visitation will be held from 1-4 pm on Monday, July 17, 2023, at the Chapel of the Christ in New Ulm prior to the service. The Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes of New Ulm are assisting the family with arrangements at this time. To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Larry is survived by his wife of 44 years, Ramona Czer of New Ulm; his daughters, Megan (Jacob) Schable of Racine, Wisconsin, Erin (Matt) Nottling of Watertown, Wisconsin, Allison (Eric) Harley of Peoria, Illinois, Briana (Derek) Schmidt of Carver, Minnesota; his son, Brendan (Alexia) Czer of Sheboygan, Wisconsin; his 17 grandchildren Solomon, Gabriel, Gideon, Levi, Abraham, Annika, Enoch, Jude, Boaz, Asher, Melchizedek, Roman, Bathsheba, Keturah, Leah, Elihu, and Connor, with one more on the way; and his brother, David Czer of Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Lawrence “Larry” Joseph Czer was born February 14, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois to Joseph Bishop and Marilyn (Misch) Czer. Larry was baptized at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Chicago, Illinois, and later confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Burlington, Wisconsin. Larry was a 1975 graduate from Burlington High School. He furthered his education, receiving his bachelor’s degree in Education from DMLC in New Ulm. Larry later attained his master’s degree from St. Cloud State University, and completed his doctoral studies at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. While attending school at DMLC, Larry met the love of his life, Ramona Owens. The couple was united in marriage on June 8, 1979, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fairfax. This union blessed the couple with four daughters and a son whom together they eventually raised in New Ulm. Over the course of his career, Larry was assigned as principal and grade 1-8 teacher at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran School in Bend, Oregon (1979-81). Then he accepted a call to be principal and grade 6-8 teacher at St. John Lutheran School in Fox Lake, Wisconsin (1981-87), and later he served as English and pre-algebra teacher at West Lutheran High School in Hopkins, Minnesota (1987-92). Next he accepted a call to Dr. Martin Luther College, which amalgamated with Northwestern College to become Martin Luther College in 1995. Professor Czer served the WELS College of Ministry for 31 years, until his untimely death. Larry had a deep love for literature and taught many different English courses through the years. He also coached women’s golf for eight years and women’s basketball for seven years. Under his leadership, the 2011-12 basketball team had its most successful season in program history, finishing 12-2 in the UMAC and earning an NCAA tournament berth. He was also involved with the New Ulm Humans Rights Commission and other community organizations.

Larry was a loving and affectionate husband, a generous and supportive father, and he adored his grandchildren. The Czer family would like to thank all those who have reached out with kind words and lifted them up in prayers. They look forward to one day being reunited with Larry in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to MLC College.

Mvfh.org

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