County Commissioner Larry Southerland, age 63, of Cambridge died March 19, 2014 at home surrounded by family. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 24th at The Braham Area Community Center, 655 8th Street SW with Rev. Richard Chronis officiating. A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 23rd from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at Strike Funeral Home – Cambridge Chapel and also one hour prior to the service at the community center on Monday. Interment will be in Rice Lake Cemetery in Braham.
Larry was born October 3, 1950 and raised in Braham, MN during the baby boom of the 1950’s and 1960’s, Larry followed his parents’ example of dedication, diligence and hard work in his public service career. He was a dedicated and hard working public servant and worked tirelessly for Isanti County and his community. Following college courses at St. Cloud State he joined the Isanti County Sheriff’s Department working his way up from dispatcher to deputy to investigator, serving 19 years in those capacities.
In 1990, when the then current sheriff retired, Larry was elected Isanti County Sheriff and served three terms (12 years) before ending his 31-year law enforcement career. He continued on in public service, however. In 2002, Larry was elected to the County Board and served as 2nd District Commissioner for over 12 years.
Larry embraced his role as an ombudsman county commissioner, immersing himself in his community work. He had a focus on transportation, public safety and job growth. He was a strong advocate for the multi-county NLX Passenger Rail Alliance Planning Committee, the Local Collaborative, the Isanti County Ag Society (Fair Board), the Braham Community Center and preservation of the historic St John’s Church. In 2004 Larry received the Isanti County Human Rights Award.
During his law enforcement career he was very involved: chairing the Advisory Board to the Lino Lakes Regional Treatment Center, serving as a District Director of the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association, serving as president of the Sheriffs’ Youth Program of MN among his many activities.
He was well known as a charitable person and especially for establishing and operating the Sheriff Larry Southerland Celebrity Golf Tournament for over 10 years, bringing well known sports figures to the community to raise money on behalf of worthy causes. He was a member of Cambridge Lutheran Church, a member of the Grandy Lions, a past Commander of Post 290 of the Sons of the American Legion and a member of the Lone Eagle Auto Club.
County Commissioner Larry L. Southerland of Isanti County died March 19, 2014 at his Springvale Township home following a brief, but determined battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Lorraine Southerland and his sister, Lana Mattson and brother-in-law, Craig Mattson.
He is survived by his brother and sister in law, Lee and Donna Southerland and their children, Leah Southerland and Cindy (Matt) Boe; niece, Crystal Mattson; aunt, Deloris Anderson; uncle, LeRoy (Joanne) Anderson; cousins and other relatives; special friends, Cherri Carpenter and Jenny (Cory) Carlson.
God bless you Larry. RIP. I am blessed to have known you. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Tim, Heidi, Cory, and Jessica Vidor
Larry when I think back at all the fun we had!!!Snowflake parade,chili feed, golf tournaments always in the back doing clean up or planning the next event. You were a true friend. Rest in peace my friend. Give yourself some time before you start wrangling with Claire
Condolences to the family. Yep we had fun singing (THE DANCE) at the Bar and Grill and you hitting my beer bottle to see how fast I could save it. Will miss those good old times. Sure hope God’s cooks have received my e-mail for my receipt for Hamburger Gravy for you. Until I see you again be good as I know you will be checking on all of us left behind.
Patty Cakes
Bless you Larry! RIP! I have many fond memories of working with you at the County Fair. Thanks for all the good work you did over the years.
Blessings and Prayers for the family!
David Weaver and Family
Dear Larry
My friend of 42 years. Your were one of the most generous and kind individuals on this earth. Now you can continue your good work in a place free of pain. Peace be with you. We will never forget you.
Barb Baar
May God Bless your and yours and comfort them in the days ahead and Grant them peace in moving forward. Peace be with you. Jeanette
A friend since our days at St. Cloud State in 1969, it was great to rekindle our friendship on the campaign trail in 1990. Then there were the fund raisers at the American Legion. You were a great public servant my friend. Rest in peace and God bless you.
to Lee and Donna and families—-we are so very sorry for your loss–hugs and prayers
Charlie and Dianne
It was always a pleasure working with you and your always upbeat attitude. You were a great neighbor, and we will all miss you!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I worked with Larry for many years.
Lee, my thoughts and prayers are for y’all as Larry has been promoted to Heaven. I am thankful for Larry’s long record of service to the community and to have known him as a cousin.
LEE,
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF SORROW…
LARRY WAS A GREAT MAN, AND WILL BE MISSED BY MANY.
THE POTRAMENT’S
Larry, thank you for the smile you gave me everytime we met. You were larger then life in Isanti County, and your absence will be felt for many years. My condolences go out to your family.
I, and Larry’s friends in the Resource Conservation and Development community, will sorely miss Larry for his leadership and candor. Please know that we are better for Larry’s work with us, and his words of guidance will be present with us, even in his absence. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.