Larry M. Chial

Lawrence "Larry" Martin Chial, 68, died bravely in his home in Moorhead, MN, surrounded by his loving family on August 25, 2017. Larry was born on September 23, 1948, in Fargo, ND, to Eleanor (Argall) and Daryl Chial. He attended Park Elementary School in Moorhead, and later graduated from high school in Elbow Lake, MN, where he was valedictorian of his class. Larry attended Moorhead State University graduating with a degree in Business and Accounting in 1970.

Larry met his wife Cathi at an all-college Valentine's Dance in Fargo and they were married for 47 wonderful years. Over Larry's 40-year career, he held a number of positions. He started as an auditor for Blue Cross Blue Shield, served as a real estate agent for several firms, worked as the office administrator for a law firm, sold medical and computer equipment, and eventually owned his own tax and small business accounting firm. His final career opportunity brought him to ShareHouse as their chief financial officer. He made the decision to retire in 2009 due to declining health.

Larry's passion for human and disability rights and independent living led him to become involved with the Freedom Resource Center, where he served as a volunteer, a board member, and eventually the President of the board. Larry was also active in the Jaycees, the Chamber of Commerce, and Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Moorhead.

Larry's greatest joy in life was his family. His wife Cathi was the love of his life. His twin daughters Heather and Heidi made him proud every day, and his three grandchildren will always love their "Papa." He taught us all so much about how to meet life's challenges head on, how to find solutions, and how to surround oneself with support and love.

Larry dearly loved the game of golf, becoming an excellent golfer who achieved a Double Eagle in 1987. He also developed a love for running and completed many 10K and half marathons. He inspired his daughters to run, and they completed Grandma's Marathon and the Twin Cities Marathon together with him. He loved music from the 60's and attended every concert with an oldies rock band that came to the area.

Larry is survived by his loving wife and partner on his journey, Cathi; daughters, Heather Chial, MD (Robert Bakkestuen), of West Salem, WI, Heidi Chial, PhD (Shawn Corey), of Denver, CO; grandchildren, William Bakkestuen, Katelyn Bakkestuen, and Bryce Corey; sisters, Lynnette Noeske, Indianapolis, IN, and Carolyn Apple, Fort Morgan, CO. He was preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor Renstrom (Carroll), and father, Daryl Chial.

Larry will be remembered for his strong will, his beautiful mind, his sense of humor, and his big heart.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, August 31, 2017, at 3 PM, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Moorhead.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to one of Larry's three favorite passions: the Chial Family Endowment at Sanford Children's Hospital in Fargo, the Our Savior's Lutheran Church building fund in Moorhead, and the Freedom Resource Center in Fargo.