Lawrence "Larry" Bigelow

Lawrence “Larry” Bigelow

January 27, 1938 – October 30, 2021

Larry Bigelow, father, brother, husband, friend and coach, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 30 with his wife of 56 years by his side.

Larry’s life was filled with physical challenges, from polio as a toddler that left him needing a leg brace, to failing health in his last few months. Yet he never complained and met every challenge with determination. His successes were many, as a feature film distributor, music and video entrepreneur, video consultant, soap crafter and coach. All this, along with his beloved family and his revered New York Yankees, kept him active and engaged with life.

His accomplishments were recognized by others, as well.  He was named “salesman of the year” while at American International Pictures in the 1970s. As a volunteer with the Alfred Adler Institute of MN and chair of their board of directors, he was presented with the Rudolph Dreikurs Award in 1981. One of his proudest moments, besides the births of his daughters, came when he was inducted into the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame in January of 2005. After more than 700 wins, we lost track of the total. But he could remember every score of every game and describe every key play. With eight state championships under his belt, he finally retired from coaching in his mid-70s, but still kept in touch with many of his former players.

He is survived by his wife, Olene (Hanson) Bigelow, daughters, Stacie (Bigelow) Darke, PhD, (Anoka), Jill Bigelow-Rossing (Plymouth); son-in-law, David Rossing; nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and countless friends and team members. He will be dearly missed.

Funeral Service 11:45 AM Wednesday, November 3 at Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37 ^th Ave N. Visitation 45 mins prior. Masks required.

Interment Lakewood Cemetery.

Memorials to American Cancer Society, American Heart Assoc., your favorite animal welfare organization, or donor’s choice.