Larry Robert Astrup Sr., 76, Fargo, ND, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Sanford West Campus, Fargo, ND, surrounded by his loving family.
Larry Robert Astrup was born July 27, 1949, the son of Harry and Aileen (Kuemper) Astrup in Jamestown, ND. He was raised in Wimbledon, ND, where he graduated as Co-Salutatorian from Wimbledon High School in 1967 and was a stand-out basketball player. Following high school, Larry pursued higher education initially at Ellendale (ND) Bible College before transferring to Valley City (ND) State University where he earned a degree in Social Studies and Physical Education.
On October 10, 1970, Larry was united in marriage to Jo Marie Bauer at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Valley City. He dedicated his early career to teaching and coaching, first in Tioga and Butte, ND, before the family established their home in Oriska, ND. There he taught Social Studies and coached sports. In 1980, Larry transitioned from teaching to a role with National Farmers Union Insurance as a Senior Loss Prevention Consultant. The family relocated to Fargo in 1989, where he continued to work for National Farmers Union Insurance until his retirement in 2003. After retiring Larry worked in the fishing department at Sportsman’s Warehouse. He also enjoyed serving as a substitute teacher throughout the local area.
Larry spent his leisure time fishing and was notably skilled at crafting fishing lures. He was thrilled when he found a bargain and delighted when he was able to have seafood. You could never miss Larry with his colorful clothing choices and his booming voice. He definitely did NOT blend into the crowd and he made sure his opinions were frequently heard on local radio in the FM area. On his work travels he loved panning for gold and mining sapphires-especially in Montana. Later in life he enjoyed taking his wife to the casino.
Above all, he cherished time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Jo Marie; children, Antoinette “Toni” (Paul) Huisman, La Center, WA, Larry “Rob” Astrup Jr., Fargo, Josh (Katie) Astrup, Sioux Falls, SD, and Thomas (Phillip Petro) Astrup, Miami, FL; grandchildren, Jonah, Benjamin and Elijah Astrup; Brothers, Kenneth (Linda) Astrup, Amenia, ND and John (Chris) Astrup, Colorado Springs, CO; sisters, Carole (Patrick Schnaible) Kiecker, Java, SD, and Marie (John) Olson, Mahnomen, MN; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, and other loved ones.
A Gathering of Family and Friends for Larry will begin at 10:00 am, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, followed by his Celebration of Life at 11:00 am, in Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN. He will be laid to rest in Valley City, ND
(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN)
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