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NEW ULM--Larry John Stueber, age 80, of New Ulm, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2026 surrounded by family.
Larry was born on August 6, 1946, in New Ulm to John and Leona (Fischer) Stueber. He grew up on the family farm in Lake Hanska Township, Brown County. He attended St. John's Elementary School in Searles and graduated from New Ulm High School in 1964.
In January 1967, Larry traveled to Vietnam aboard a troop ship across the Pacific. As a generator repair specialist, he was often flown by helicopter to remote military bases, carrying his tools and working independently to keep the generators running. He returned home in November 1967 with a new set of skills and an appreciation for the discipline he had learned in the Army.
After returning to New Ulm, Larry wrote a letter to Floyd Alwin of Alwin Electrical Contracting and Appliances asking about a job. He received a reply almost immediately and began what would become a 57-year career in appliance repair, eventually retiring from Alwin Klassen Appliance Repair in November of 2017, and then again, December 31, 2024 - he couldn't resist fixing things and helping people.
For Larry, appliance repair was much more than a job. It was his livelihood, his hobby, and a way to meet people. Over the years, he made countless house calls throughout New Ulm and the surrounding communities. He enjoyed the challenge of figuring out what was wrong and finding a way to make things work again. Even when replacement parts were discontinued, Larry wasn't easily discouraged. He would look for another solution, finding creative ways to keep an old appliance running.
His customers appreciated his knowledge and determination, and many specifically requested Larry, even if it meant waiting a few extra days. Even after retirement, longtime customers continued calling for his advice. As Larry told The New Ulm Journal shortly after retiring, "When you enjoy your work, it's not work. That's what happened to me."
On June 8, 1973, Larry married Mardell Ries at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm. Mardell was Larry's true love and companion, and together they made a wonderful partnership over their 52 years of marriage. They raised two children, Darren and Heidi, and later welcomed six grandchildren into their lives.
Larry was a devoted and supportive father who enjoyed sharing his interests and knowledge with his children. He enjoyed taking them on bicycle rides along the Bottom Road and sharing his fascination with his tropical fish aquarium. As his children grew older and followed their own paths, his encouragement and support remained constant.
Larry took great joy in being a grandfather, affectionately known to his grandchildren as "Grandpa Fishy." He enjoyed sharing his curiosity and mechanical interests with them, whether building with Erector sets, helping with science fair projects, or showing them something new about his fish. Larry also had a bit of a sweet tooth, and a trip to the ice cream shop with Grandpa was always a welcome treat.
Larry and Mardell shared a love of traditional old-time music and especially enjoyed going dancing together. Larry appreciated a good polka with a strong, steady bass beat. Whenever the music started, Larry was quick to tell those around him, "I love this music." Larry also enjoyed getting around New Ulm on his bicycle. In his later years, he traded his traditional bicycle for an electric three-wheeled tricycle, becoming a familiar sight as he made his way around town.
At home, Larry took great pride in his backyard pond, where a school of goldfish spent the warmer months swimming among water lilies and a small fountain. Mardell surrounded the pond with flowers, including black-eyed Susans and irises, creating a peaceful backyard retreat. A nearby swing offered a place to sit and enjoy the setting, whether Larry was spending a quiet moment alone or sharing the space with his children and grandchildren.
Larry found satisfaction in the things he could do with his hands, the problems he could solve, and the people he met along the way. Whether bringing an old washing machine back to life, tending to his pond, enjoying a polka, or visiting with someone around town, he appreciated the simple pleasures of everyday life.
Larry is survived by his son, Darren (My Phung) Stueber of New Ulm, and daughter, Heidi (Glen) Coudron of North Mankato; six grandchildren, Chloe and Elsa Stueber, and Emily, Isaac, Hannah, and Evelyn Coudron; brothers, Marvin (Sharon) Stueber, Harvey Stueber, and Paul (Rosie) Stueber, all of New Ulm; and sister, Lois (Jeffrey) Bussler of Winthrop.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mardell, who passed away in July 2025; his parents, John Jr. and Leona Stueber; his sister, Mary, who died in infancy; and his brother, Alphonse, who died in infancy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026 at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Burial with full military honors accorded by the New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor Honor Guard will follow in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, and will continue from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 23, all at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home, South Chapel location.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the New Ulm Area Catholic Schools Capital Campaign.