Larry Bengtson

LEWISTON, MINN. - Lawrence "Larry" A. Bengtson, 63, of rural Lewiston died Thursday, May 22, 2003, at Maple Manor Nursing Home in Rochester, Minn. He was born on October 4, 1939, in Minneapolis, Minn. to Paul Frederick and Jane (McAvoy) Bengtson. Larry was raised in Minneapolis where he graduated from High School. He served in the U.S. Army in Ethiopia, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf. On June 15, 1968, Larry married Doreen M. Rau in St. Cloud, Minn. He then received his Bachelor of Arts Degree at Winona State University. He was an Army Reservist as well as being a Civilian Technician for the Dept. of the Army, a carpenter and a farmer. Larry was active in Rabbit Breeding and was a nationally known Rabbit Judge. He dedicated his life to perfecting the Dutch Rabbit. Larry was a member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association and was involved in the Boy Scouts. He is survived by his wife, Doreen; three sons: Erik A. (Mandy) Bengtson of Winona, Minn., Neil A. (Leah) Bengtson of St. Cloud, Minn. and Paul F. Bengtson of Las Vegas, Nev.; two daughters: Kirsten (James) Dutton of Bath, England and Melinda R. (Jason) Austin of Cross Plains, Wis.; five grandchildren; two sisters: Jeanne (Gene) Dutton of Arvada, Colorado and Judith Lund of Cedar, Minn. Larry was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, John and Paul. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, at Hoff Funeral Homes - Rushford Chapel with the Rev. Shawn Haremza officiating. Burial will be in the St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery at Hart, Minn. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at Hoff Funeral Homes - Rushford Chapel. The family prefers memorials to be directed to the Alzheimers Association.