Lawrence W. "Larry" Tofteland, 69, Benedict, died Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009, in a Minot hospital.

Larry was born Feb. 4, 1940, at Minot, the son of Lawrence and Margaret (White) Tofteland. He was raised at Antler and Sawyer, attending grade school at Antler and later graduating from Sawyer High School. During his younger years, he was employed by Bechtold Excavating, Sweetheart Bakery and the City of Minot.

Larry was united in marriage to Eileen Sutter on Aug. 25, 1962, at Benedict. They moved to the Seattle area in 1968, where he became employed with Bethlehem Steel Co. as a steel worker. He worked with the company for more than 26 years. They moved back to Benedict in 2006.

Larry was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed watching sporting events. He also loved to dance.

His loving family includes: wife of 47 years, Eileen; children, Mark Tofteland, Seattle, Raymond Tofteland, Seattle, and Melissa (John) Speer, Shelton, Wash.; grandchildren, Tara and Amanda Speer, Gabriel Tofteland and Ashlee Tofteland; brothers, Jerry (Sharon) Tofteland, Benedict, James (Kathryn) Tofteland, Minot, Donald (Debbie) Tofteland, Mandan; sisters, Carol (Lynton) Klimpel, Sawyer, Judy (Clayton) Brevig, Sawyer; stepbrothers, Gary Wills, Beulah, Keith Wills, Benedict; stepsisters, Gayle Bischke, Minot, Vicki Kerzman, Minot; and numerous nieces, and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Ralph Wills; and sisters, Darlene and Mary Jane.

Funeral service: Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009, at 11 a.m. in Concordia Lutheran Church, Benedict.

Graveside service: Thursday at 2:45 p.m. in Bethel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Antler.

Visitation: Today, Sept. 9, from 2 to 7 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Those wishing to sign the online memorial register or share memories are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at (www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com).