A Living Celebration: The Story of Larry Willard
Picture this: more than 100 people gathered on a perfect fall Sunday afternoon, surrounded by vibrant flower gardens and the peaceful waters of our pond. Laughter fills the air, stories flow freely, and at the center of it all sits Larry Willard - very much alive, very much present and absolutely delighted to be hosting his own going away party." This wasn't a typical memorial service. This was something extraordinary. A living celebration of life that Larry himself orchestrated during his final days at Quiet Oaks Hospice House.
The Heart of a Chef, The Spirit of a Fighter
Born on June 11, 1973, in St. Cloud, Larry lived life with the same gusto he brought to everything he touched. Whether he was perfecting a dish as a chef in local restaurants or negotiating deals as a materials handler at S.B. restoration, Larry approached life with an infectious enthusiasm and tireless work ethic that left an impression on everyone he met.
Those who knew Larry best will tell you about his good-natured ribbing, his quick smile and his surprisingly tender heart. "Larry was an avid outdoorsman all his life. He loved fishing, hunting, four-wheel mudding and doing projects around the house and yard. He loved being with people - sharing his cooking, singing, humor and support - he had a big heart," shared his sister, Kim. "Larry was the most determined person I ever met - he rolled with every punch, always finding some way to make it through every obstacle his health put him through. Larry fought so long because he loved so big. He didn't want to let anyone down and he didn't want to leave those he loved behind. When Larry made the decision to end the fight on his terms, the palliative care nurse asked him what was important to him. He said he wished he could say goodbye to all of the people who made his life worth fighting for and he wanted to spend time outdoors with his dog, Ruger, his beloved companion of seven years, who rarely left his side."
"When I asked Larry about Quiet Oaks, he was worried about the cost because he knew his insurance wouldn't cover it and it was important to him that he didn't leave a financial burden on anyone. The nurse shared that there was a possibility of Larry receiving a scholarship (Compassionate Care Funds) which we were informed that Larry did qualify for. Quiet Oaks was so much more than I expected - I couldn't have asked for anything better. The staff was welcoming and sincere, offering help with every question as it arose. They helped us through the twists and turns with kindness, grace and humor. Humor is crucial to our family!" Shared Kim.
A Final Wish, An Extraordinary Celebration
When Larry came to Quiet Oaks, he had one clear wish: he wanted to celebrate life - his life - while he could still enjoy it with his family and friends. Not after he was gone, but right then, surrounded by the people who mattered most.
Our team at Quiet Oaks embraced Larry's vision wholeheartedly. Last minute invitations were sent by phone and text, inviting friends and family for Larry's last bash - the response was overwhelming! On that beautiful September Sunday, our cottage and grounds transformed into something magical. More than 100 people gathered: his mother Sandra, his father Thomas, his siblings Randy, Bill and Kim, his best friend and former wife Laura, nieces and nephews, colleagues and countless friends who had been touched by Larry's generous spirit.
The celebration unfolded exactly as Larry had envisioned. Food was shared, stories were told and laughter echoed across our peaceful grounds. Children played near the pond, while adults swapped memories of Larry's legendary sense of humor and caring ways. It was, in every sense, a perfect party, made all the more precious because Larry was there to enjoy every moment of it. There were people waiting in line to say goodbye and when he had to be restricted to bed, the visitors lined the halls. "Larry was able to say thank you and goodbye to those who made his life the adventure it was. He was able to leave this life knowing he was loved and would be missed. He enjoyed some of his favorite treats one last time. It was all I had hoped for and so much more," shared his sister Kim. "It was beautiful beyond words," another family member reflected. "We got to tell Larry exactly what he meant to us and he got to hear it. How many people ever get that chance?"
Where Extraordinary Moments Happen
Larry's celebration was possible because of what makes Quiet Oaks special: our commitment to honoring each person's unique wishes and our beautiful peaceful setting that provides the perfect backdrop for life's most meaningful moments.
Our grounds, from the tranquil pond to the carefully tended flower gardens, provided a stunning natural sanctuary for Larry's gathering. But most importantly, our staff and volunteers worked behind the scenes to ensure that every detail was perfect, allowing Larry and his loved ones to focus entirely on what mattered - being together.
Your Role In Creating More Extraordinary Moments
Larry's story reminds us that end-of-life care isn't just about medical comfort, it's about honoring the full spectrum of the human experience, including joy, celebration and the deep connections that define our lives.
"Your donation to Quiet Oaks provides positive outcomes in heartbreaking journeys. It provides the most precious gift to residents and their families. It gives time, support, beauty and serenity. It provides a beautiful end to challenges faced. It provides peace, love and care to all who cross the threshold. Your financial support of Quiet Oaks is a gift of immeasurable impact. It is the gift of dignity and love. It is a gift that made the loss of my brother bearable. Quiet Oaks was the best thing that could have happened to our family as we honored the end of his fight. I appreciated the way they welcomed us and allowed Larry to spend his final days with his dog and his family at this side. We were able to keep our promise that he wouldn't be alone. We were able to be with him until the end." Shared his sister, Kim.
A Living Legacy
Today, when visitors walk through our gardens, they often pause near the spot where Larry's celebration took place. The flowers are still blooming, the pond still reflecting the changing sky and the memory of that joyful September afternoon continues to inspire everyone who hears Larry's story.
Perhaps Larry's greatest gift to us all was the reminder that even in the face of life's greatest challenges, there is still room for joy, for connection and for celebration. His living funeral wasn't about saying goodbye - it was about saying thank you for a life well-lived and love well-shared.
As we enter this season of giving, we invite you to be part of more stories like Larry's. Your support ensures that Quiet Oaks will continue to be a place where extraordinary moments happen, where final wishes are honored and where families discover that even in their darkest hours, there can still be light, love and laughter.
Double Your Impact!
We are thrilled to announce a $125,000 match made possible by Diana Cook, Marlene & Richard Schlichting, Steven & Kelli Ehlen in loving memory of Nancy Ehlen and an anonymous donor in memory of Judy Cook. Each dollar raised up to $125,000 will be matched!
Quiet Oaks is a residential home for residents and families facing terminal illness. At Quiet Oaks, we provide an experience that honors and respects the dignity
of our residents and their families by focusing on a team approach to provide comfort and support for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
Quiet Oaks is a 501(c)(3) Tax ID 20-3905841