Larry Buboltz

Larry Gene Buboltz, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and community leader died peacefully on July 13, 2025 at Sunnyside Care Center with his family by his side He was born November 2, 1942, on the family farm in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, to Stanley and Dorothy (Ebent) Buboltz.

He attended Buffalo Lake Schools graduating in 1960, In high school he enjoyed participation in musicals, choir, band, baseball and football. He attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis graduating with a major in History and a minor in Social Studies. While at Augsburg he met Adrienne Strand in 1961; they were married in 1963. He worked full time at various jobs while attending Augsburg. In 1965 he began teaching at Detroit Lakes High School where his students greatly enjoyed his classes. He became the debate coach taking his team to the state Debate Tournament. He continued taking classes at NDSU. Although he was offered a position at Fargo North, which he temporarily accepted, he was asked to join a startup employment program called Rural MN CEP. He began as one of three assistants to the director, Emil Marotzke. One of his first assignments was to organize the Minnesota Youth Experimental and Demonstration Project. This Youth Project was one of only three similar programs in the United States. He later advanced to Deputy Director and after Marotzke’s resignation to take a state appointment, the board advanced Larry to the Director position in 1975, which position he held until retirement in 2005. He was very active in regional and national organizations, serving on several boards and became the national president of the National Association of County and Training Professionals in 1980-1981. He was appointed by Governors of both parties to serve on many State boards. He was able to attend a Rose Garden signing of employment legislation signed by President Clinton.

He served on Becker County Planning and as Chairman of Becker County Zoning Adjustment Board. He was elected as Alderman at Large by the voters of Detroit Lakes in 1976; he often served as Vice Mayor during this time and in 1988 he was elected as Mayor of Detroit Lakes. He had a passion for Detroit Lakes and let everyone at the Capital know about this fine city; he was well acquainted with many legislators. He was a member, board member and later President of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cites in 1991-92. He was often called on to testify on behalf of the Coalition. Some major accomplishments were water and sewer around Detroit Lakes, realignment of Highway 10 through DL, annexation of Long Lake in order to provide water and sewer services, the Washington Mall, Band Shell, and his pride and joy the Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center. (He used it from day 1 until he entered the nursing home.) He chaired the board for a number of years. He was unable to see his pet project, the Heartland Trail brought to fruition, he worked on it for years. Larry was a good leader and delegator, he would tell you that he never did anything alone. The community leaders were supportive as well as the City Council, he especially appreciated his strong Vice Mayor, Dixie Johnson. The staff at Rural MNCEP and the City of Detroit Lakes made things happen.

He was a member of Jaycees and chaired various projects, the infamous Oasis, the Water Carnival Parade, and was selected to be the 44th Admiral of the Water Carnival, served on the pageant committee. Larry and Adrienne were the chaperones for a year for Miss Northwest. The local chapter nominated him to be one of Minnesota Ten Outstanding Young Men, he received the award in 1973 at 30.

Larry loved his church, First Lutheran Church, where he served as President of the congregation at 30, served as Sunday School teacher to High School students, and sang in choir for many years. He also co-chaired two fund raising events for the church. He and Adrienne had several trips with the choir/travel group through much of Europe. They also traveled through, Asia, and South America as well as our dear country.

Larry was always extremely proud of his family. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, three sons, Mitch (Jackie Sims), children Zach and Maggie of Detroit Lakes; Michael (Edenia Mendoza), children Paxton and Wyatt of Roseville; TJ (Karen Malone), sons Nick and Ben of Detroit Lakes; sisters Annie (Mike) Hughes of Burnsville and Laurie (David) Karl of Buffalo Lake; brother- in- law Arlie (Peggy Nolden); sister in law Nancy Huston and many niece and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, in- laws Elmer and Alice Strand, brother-in- law Richard Strand and brother Leland Buboltz, as well as numerous aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be given to Hearts in Action Hospice, First Lutheran Church, DLCCC or the Dollars for Scholarship Program in Detroit Lakes.

The family is grateful for your love and support for Larry and Adrienne during his many years of decline from Aphasia which was a result of a difficult surgery in 2011. They are also grateful for the good care he received from Heart in Action Hospice and at Sunnyside, which he entered December of 2024. He remained pleasant and joyful to the end.

Visitation will be at First Lutheran Church Sunday, July 27th 5:30-6:30 with a prayer/sharing time starting at 6:30. The services will be at the same location Monday July 28th at 2:00 PM with visitation one hour prior. Internment will be later at Oak Grove Cemetery.