Lawrence Benjamin

Lawrence Benjamin November 18, 1953 - November 25, 2011

Lawrence "Larry" Louis Benjamin, 58 years old, of Apple Valley, passed away peacefully at home on November 25, 2011, after a battle with cancer. Born November 18, 1953 in Northfield, MN to Philip A. & Scholastica "Slest" Benjamin. Loving husband to Mary Jane, adoring father to Ali (Michael) Coyne, Kyle (Carley), Heather (Mike Stuart), and grandfather to Oliver, Philip and Samantha Benjamin, and Benjamin Coyne. Beloved brother to Phyllis (Harry) Goin, Linda (Ken) Caron, Patricia (David) Jensen, Elaine (Steve) Trnka, Teresa (Mark) Olson, John (Wanda) Benjamin, Jacqueline (Larry) Scott, and Susan (Ross) Morrison. Also survived by many nieces and nephews, and step-children Corey Dardis, Ryan (Rachel) Dardis, and Molly (Trevor) Schmidt, and step-grandchild Mac Dardis. Preceded in death by siblings Philip C. and Rebecca, and parents Philip A. and Scholastica Benjamin. Larry was the principal owner of Northfield Lines and Benjamin Bus for 22 years, along with his brother John. He was on the Board of Directors for United Motorcoach Association and International Motor Coach Group. Larry prided himself not in his success in business, but in the friends he made along the way. His warmth and charm captivated everyone he met and resulted in many friends that will miss him dearly. He lived life to the fullest and especially enjoyed the time he spent with his wife at their homes in Ft. Myers, Florida and Crosslake, Minnesota. He will be remembered for his good looks, infectious laugh, engaging and fun-loving sense of humor, and his ability to draw people in. His strength and loving care for his family cannot be replaced and his memory will be treasured forever. Visitation will be at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home from 4 to 8 on Friday, December 2. The funeral mass will be at St. Dominic''s Catholic Church at 11:00 Saturday, December 3, with a 1 hour visitation at 10:00. Please make donations to The Breath of Hope Lung Foundation (PO Box 1081, Chanhassen, MN 55317) and Fairview Hospice (2450 26thAvenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55406).