Lawrence Howard Rufledt, Jr.
Beloved fiancé, son, family member, friend and cat dad
Lawrence Howard Rufledt, Jr. (known as Larry), of Maple Grove, MN, was called home to Jesus unexpectedly and peacefully, after sudden cardiac arrest on May 6, 2021.
Larry was born May 16, 1982 in Lansing, Michigan and grew up in DeForest, WI, just north of Madison. Larry’s musical gifts were evident from the start; he was first chair in the alto sax and won many prestigious musical awards throughout high school. He attended college in River Falls, WI and thoroughly enjoyed his time with friends and his fraternity.
For more than twenty years, Larry worked indefatigably in the pest control industry, including being part owner of Westside Pest Solutions with his beloved father since 2007. Larry was extremely dedicated to his customers, many of which became lifelong friends. He was a keen problem solver and thoroughly enjoyed finding the elusive mouse hole or insect means of entry. Even more, he truly enjoyed helping customers and being a bright spot in their day.
Larry was a true renaissance man – there isn’t space to list his diverse interests and passions. Just a few include comics especially Spider Man, his ahead-of-his-time vinyl collection, attending church at Lord of Life Lutheran, gourmet cooking, professional wrestling including quoting his favorite promos, reading, top-shelf scotch, and his cologne collection that rivals the most prestigious cosmetics counter!
His most precious times were spent with his future wife, Jenny Silgen, who he called, “the light of his life.” They met when Jenny’s mom, Karen, had a mouse, and Karen often joked that she, “found Jenny’s husband in the Yellow Pages.” Larry’s beautiful, signature voice was noted by all, and Jenny fell in love with it before she even met him. Larry loved and doted on his adorable cat daughter, Candace Cameron, who he named. The day he and Jenny adopted her from Secondhand Hounds was one of their best.
Larry loved simple pleasures like feeding the ducks around their neighborhood lakes – even the occasional muskrat – and when one of his “turtle bros” popped up for air.
A favorite quote he said often from Hunter S. Thompson was that he was, “too strange to live, and too rare to die.” Larry was true to himself always.
Larry is preceded in death by his father, Larry Sr. He is survived by his mother, Janette Rufledt, his grandmother, Juanita Rufledt, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Larry was also a loved brother and member of Jenny’s family, and deeply connected to his twin nieces, Natalie and Ella Pfeifer. He was loved by all who had the privilege to know him.
A family service is scheduled late-July. Any other details on the celebration of his life will be shared at a later date.
Larry will be loved and remembered every single day. His legacy of true kindness and loving heart like Jesus inspire those he leaves behind.
Memorials preferred to Secondhand Hounds (Minnetonka) or Lord of Life Lutheran (Maple Grove). Larry would love it if you did a simple act of kindness today in his honor.
Jeanette, I am sorry for your loss of both Larry and Larry Jr. Big hugs to you
I loved talking to Larry Jr when he came over to treat my house every spring and fall. He had a voice for radio and always had the best stories. And he always had the biggest smile when he talked about Jenny. I will miss seeing him and I’m so grateful I got to meet him.
One of the benefits of working in the pest control industry is interacting with wonderful individuals. I always looked forward to and enjoyed my discussions with Larry Jr. I wish to extend my sympathy and prayers to Larry’s mother Janette, his finance Jenny, and family members.
Jeanette, I have no words, only sympathy and the Hope that we both share in Christ Jesus. Larry was in fact a big hearted man. May he rest with his Savior.
When I think about kindness and unselfishness to me the Rufledt family was exactly how I hope to be towards others. When I first started working for Adams Larry Jr, Larry Sr and Jannette were always so kind and fun to talk to. Larry Jr’s dad interviewed me and gave me a chance to work for/with Adams. After they left Adams and started their own company I would occasionally see them at the downtown Rockford cafe and Larry on 2 occasions bought breakfast for my wife and I. Enough said. May God carry you and comfort you Jannette.
Jenny, I am so very sorry for your tremendous loss. It sounds like Larry was a wonderful, fun person and loved by many. This was a great tribute. Prayers and love to you and the family.
I am blessed to know both Jenny and Larry. Larry’s always so grateful for life’s simple treasures.
Found the good in everything and everyone. He cared so deeply about his family and in the end he realized that he needed to take care of himself so he could be a better supporter to those he loves.
The love of God was the foundation in which he lived by.
We lost a young man who made this world a better place. For the short time I knew him, I am truly blessed.
My prayers goes out to the whole family and friends that knew him.
He is resting in Jesus’s arms and for that it gives me peace.
I’m deeply sorry for the loss of a great guy! Larry Jr was a man of integrity and was a tremendous asset to the whole pest control industry! I will miss him!
Larry was more a brother than a friend. From watching wrestling and talking comics to sitting around listening to some music. The endless one liners and laughs will always echo in my memory. Or that time we were in a road trip for a live wrestling show and he showed me how to toss a hotel room to make sure it was but free. I will never be able to express just how sorry I am that he’s gone and the impact of his absence will always be there. However the impact he had on me along with his other friends and family will always be there too. Love you Larry, thanks for everything.
Dear precious Jenny,
My heart breaks with yours. I love you so very much.
Auntie Shiloh
Jenny – I know how much you loved Larry. It radiated throughout your entire being. He was wonderful because he was your perfect match. Sending a whole lot of love to you and both of your families, my dear friend.
Both Larry Jr. and his dad were stand-out individuals. They did more than help keep the pests out of my house. They were a true joy to talk to and joke around with. The world has been diminished by the loss of each of them. My heart goes out to their loved ones.
My husband and I met Larry because we needed help with ants. The first time I talked to him on the phone, I knew he was a nice person. Because of pandemic, Larry was not coming into homes. So, he helped us with our problem over the phone. I just loved his voice and told him he should be on radio or t.v. In April we were able to meet him in person. We are so happy that we were able to meet him. He was the nicest person! His visit for ants turned into a visit from a friend. We shared stories and life experiences. He thanked my husband for his service in the Navy. He also talked about his Dad, Mom, Jenny and their cat. We want to wish our sincere sympathy to his family, friends, and Jenny.
Dear Jenny,
Love and peace to you.
Auntie Donna Donut
Larry jr was one of the nicest, thoughtful, and funniest people i have met. My only interactions with him were pest control setvices, and i was struck how much i enjoyed having him stop by. He will be missed dearly.
I am shocked. I am a customer sending my sincerest condolences Jeanette and Jenny. What a year you have been through. The men in your lives have come to our home for many years. They had such genuine interest in our family. They lefts us each time with stories, laughs and great care for the environment through their work. There is no replacement for these two. Our family will miss our time with your men. Peace!
We are so sad to learn about the passing of Larry Jr. and also his dad. They were two of the nicest people we’ve ever met. Our thoughts are with your families.
I met Larry Sr when he came to treat the foundation of my house more than a decade ago. He told me once, “this isn’t my first rodeo.” He also told me “what’s time to a pig?” The death of Larry Sr was a shock.
I’m also shocked that Larry Jr is now also gone. My condolences to the families. Reading Larry Jr’s obituary reveals another special person that I never met. Two tragedies in one family is just too much!
Prayers to all.
I’m so sad to hear of Larry Jrs. sudden passing. It was always a pleasure to see him. He was a great person with a genuine warm heart.
Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Just learned about the loss of Larry, and this one hurts. Larry has been a regular at Down In The Valley and I’ve really enjoyed all of the conversations with him over the past eight years, and I am going to miss his regular visits and chats about music and movies. My heart goes out to his family and close friends.
Dearest Lars. Not sure why or when I started calling you that, but it sure did stick. I nearly always use nicknames for people I love. I love you dearly, Lars. I miss you every day and cry regularly for not having shown or told you that more. Mostly shown you that more–and differently than I did. Thank you for being a loving and caring member of our family always. We will all be together again in Heaven someday. We know you are perfectly peaceful, comfortable and happy in our glorious home. Save our spots. Love, Dee
Dear Janette and Jenny, I just heard of Larry Jr’s passing. I had been trying to reach him and he wasn’t responding and I knew something must be wrong. We have had Larry Sr. and Larry Jr. service our home for about 15 years. These two were like family to us. Larry Sr. loved talking with us and used to call my daughter, “big red” because she has red hair. :o). (She was about two at the time). Larry Sr. and Larry Jr. would stop by together originally and our conversations would last a long time. They both were so friendly and kind and would always provide outstanding service!! I’ll treasure my most recent conversations with Larry Jr. He called me out of the blue this past Easter to wish our family a happy Easter. We had such a sweet conversation that day. He also stopped by a few weeks later for our spring pest control treatment, which must have been right before he passed. I’m glad I was home so we could chat. He always spoke so highly of his fiancé, Jenny. I remember when he met her. He was glowing when he spoke about her! We always talked about our faith and I had a long phone conversation with him after his father, Larry Sr., passed away. I told him that his dad was so proud of him and was watching over him and smiling, saying, “You got this!!” Now they are both in heaven watching over the people they love, such as mom and wife, Janette, and fiancé Jenny. We miss their smiles, sense of humors, and their kindness towards their devoted customers. May your family be comforted to know that these two honorable men, Larry Sr. and Larry Jr. proudly served their customers and will be missed. May the fond memories of them remain in our hearts forever. Hugs and blessings to you all.
Dear Janette and Jenny, my deepest condolences to you. I’m shocked and saddened to hear of Larry Jr’s sudden passing, and of Larry Sr’s passing last fall. They were both such wonderful people, and they will be greatly missed. I was a customer of theirs and really appreciated the help they gave me, keeping the mice out of my very old, drafty house. They were special — each a delight to talk with and always so kind. My prayers are with your family.
Dear Jeanette and Jenny,
I met Larry Sr many years ago when he started treating my house in Minnetonka. He was such a great guy to talk with and had a very dry sense of humor. I was delighted when I first found out there was a “Junior” in the business. On the rare occasion when I saw them together, I enjoyed the way they related — not just father and son, but 2 buddies. I loved the way Junior could give me background on mice, wasp nests, and all things that were a nuisance to my home.
I was very sad whe Junior told me about his dad and we talked quite a bit about him and reminded him that he was his dad’s wonderful legacy. I looked forward to Junior coming over and was excited to hear about his finacee.
Today I grieve for you and feel deep sadness after hearing about Junior’s death. I am truly sorry for your loss. I just want you to know that both father and son left a lasting impression on me. They were good people and I miss them both.
I’m so shocked and saddened to learn this. I’ve been a client for over 5 years and truly looked forward to his visits. My first visit was from both Larry’s and they had me laughing as they teased each other the whole time looking through my house. Such fun personalities. Larry Jr. would always stop and chat, remember details of my life to ask me about and of course teach me more about bees and bugs than I could imagine. He never seemed too busy to stop and be personable. He was such a kind and fun young man. What a blessing to have the hope of Jesus and know father and son are reunited but two huge losses like that in such a short amount of time is unimaginable, and my prayers are with you Janette and Jenny. Truly heartbroken to hear this.
Dear Janette and Jenny,
We are so saddened by “Junior’s” passing. He was such a wonderful man. We looked forward to his visits as a friend, not “the bug guy”. He is with Jesus and “Sr.” now! We will miss him so very much.
OMG, so sorry for your loss. I was heart broken when Larry Sr passed from Covid. But to find out that Jr died of a heart attack this spring is beyond words. What a great pair they were. They were my bug men for ages. Loved the stories both told and Sr loved Jr so very much. And Jr’s fiancee — so sorry to hear this as you were loved beyond words by Jr. God bless, gay
May 2022…I just heard of Larry Sr and Jr’s passing. Larry Jr serviced our home twice a year and was such a delight. He spoke of his fiancée with a twinkle in his eye always. We shared many conversations on travel, gourmet food, and wines and enjoyed gifting him wines from our collection. They will be greatly missed. Blessings to their family.
Larry Sr was out to our house for ants a few times, but not for several years now-since before 2020. I enjoyed our long conversation the last time. What a wonderful genuine person. He talked about his son Larry, Jr. I never had the pleasure to meeting him. Tonight 2023, I found a bat in my garage. Thought I’d call Larry. I’m so saddened to find out that both wonderful men have passed. I’m sorry for your family. This community has lost such stellar people with their passing.
Five years and your passing is still hard to except. I find comfort in the fact you are with your dad and grandma and so many others. Miss your voice and unique way making all around you feel special.