Larry Sattler, West Fargo, ND passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the age of 83. Larry was born April 21, 1942, in Rugby, ND to Barney and Barbara (Brossart) Sattler. He attended Little Flower Catholic School and Rugby High School. It was in Rugby that Larry cultured his strong work ethic by working on his uncle Valentine Brossart’s farm, his love for fast cars and rumor has it, where he may have created a little harmless mischief. He enlisted in the US Army in 1964 and proudly served in the 101st Airborne Division for two years. After the service, he attended North Dakota Science School in Wahpeton, where he earned degrees in mechanics, welding, and drafting.
On June 7, 1969, Larry married Lois Halvorson in Rugby, ND. Shortly after, the couple moved to Watertown WI where they welcomed their daughter, Jill. The young family moved to Wahpeton, ND in 1976, where their second daughter, Kimberly, was born. The family made their final move to West Fargo, ND in 1979 where Larry resided until his death.
Larry dedicated more than 50 years to the construction industry, working with Twin City Construction, North Central Construction, Wanzek Construction and Industrial Builders, Inc. As a skilled heavy crane operator, he was instrumental in helping to build many of the area landmarks you see today. Going for a car ride with Larry was a history lesson in the construction industry in the Red River Valley as well as a lesson in the progression of the classic automobile-if he wasn’t pointing out every structure he helped build, he was pointing out every vehicle older than 1978 with precise detail as to the year, make, model, and engine.
Larry was a true jack of all trades. He was a man that could fix anything put in front of him. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do from welding to wood working and from auto mechanics to major home remodels. He did it all. He created many beautiful projects for family, friends, and his church, Zion Lutheran in Harwood where he and Lois were members for 46 years. Larry was also a proud member of the American Legion in Harwood.
Larry especially had a love of cars, and he was a diehard Mopar guy. He restored many cars over the years, but his pride and joy was a 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury. He tore that car apart down to the last bolt and rebuilt it, not once but twice. Before he had the seats installed, he was known to take the car out on the highway to see how the engine was running while sitting on a 5-gallon bucket.
On a trip to Germany, Larry obtained the design plans for a DMAG crane. The plans were in metric measurements, but that did not deter him from wanting to build a replica of the crane once he returned home. He painstakingly converted every measurement by hand into US standard measurements and built an exact replica of the crane, which is currently on display at Industrial Builders, Inc. in West Fargo.
When Larry wasn’t tinkering in his garage, he enjoyed watching his beloved Green Bay Packers and NASCAR races. He was forever a fan of the #43, Richard Petty. Larry enjoyed hanging out with his family, going to the lake, attending his grandkids sporting events, indulging in an occasional Dairy Queen treat and country music.
Larry and Lois shared many adventures together, exploring the country in their motorhome. Many great memories were made on family vacations, exploring the National Parks, hiking with friends in Arizona and fishing with friends and family on Devils Lake and Lake Sakakawea.
Though Larry could appear tough on the outside, he had a tender heart. He had a soft spot for kids and animals, was known to shed a tear or two during a touching movie and never said goodbye without giving you a hug and a simple ”love ya”.
Above all, Larry’s greatest joy was his family, especially his grandkids. Anna, Elizabeth, Lauren, Layton, and Lucas, your grandpa loved you so much. He was so proud of you and will always be watching over you. May his legacy of hard work, humor, and compassion live on in you.
Larry is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lois; his daughters Jill (Tim) Graveline and Kimberly Sattler; grandchildren Anna (Carson) Svalen, Elizabeth Graveline, Lauren Graveline, Layton Rud, and Lucas Rud; sister Judy Barnes; brother Doug Sattler and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by infant daughter Jamie; his parents Barney and Barbara Sattler; brothers Duane and David Sattler, and sister Marlys Putman.
Memorials should be directed to Memory Cafe of Red River Valley or Zion Lutheran Church-Harwood, ND.
Visitation: Friday, November 14, 2025 from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, Harwood, ND.
Celebration of Life: Friday, November 14, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, Harwood, ND.
Interment: Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND.
West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center
westfuneralhome.com
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