Larry J. Bachman, age 53, of New Prague, died peacefully surrounded by his family, Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at JA Wedum Hospice in Brooklyn Park, MN. Larry was born November 3, 1962 at the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis to Herschel F. and Violet (Betzler) Bachman. The family moved to New Prague when Larry was a child, where he attended St. Wenceslaus Parochial School and New Prague High School. He attained his undergraduate degree from Bemidji State University and went on to complete his Masters degree from the University of Minnesota and his Specialist degree from the University of St. Thomas. Larry served in both the National Guard and the Army Reserve. On August 24, 1991, Larry married the love of his life, Serene A. Strand, in Bemidji, MN. The family lived in Montgomery briefly before moving to New Prague. Larry was passionate about education and learning and spent over 25 years enthusiastically passing on that passion to his students at Chaska Public Schools, where he taught Psychology and History in middle and high school. He was also involved in the Key Club at Chaska High School
Larry was a man of strong faith and very active in his church. He was a deeply loyal man, always willing to help anyone in need. He was a consummate “people-person”, known for his practical jokes and his ready laughter. He had friends wherever he went; when Larry met you, you were his friend! One of his greatest loves, was that of the outdoors and he looked to spend whatever time possible at the family cabin in Bemidji, and enjoying fishing and hunting. Baseball was his passion and he coached youth baseball in Chaska Public Schools and in New Prague for 15 years. He played senior mens baseball until he was almost 50 years old and loved nothing more than to spend Sunday afternoons watching his son, Austin, play with the New Prague Orioles. His outfit of choice was camouflage and Converse high tops – his favorite being red ones.
Larry was also involved in Generations Community Theater with his daughter, Ali. He was the Tin Man in the production of the Wizard of Oz and Grandpa Joe in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Larry’s greatest priority, however, was time with his family. He recently became a grandfather, which was one of the great joys of his life. Life was never better than when he was with his family, fishing and hunting at the cabin.
Larry is survived by his wife, Serene Bachman of New Prague; son, Austin Bachman (& Jessica Hoffman) of New Prague; daughter, Ali (& Zack) DeAdder of Bemidji; grandson, Emmett DeAdder; mother, Violet Bachman of New Prague; parents-in-law, Robert & JoAnn Strand of Bemidji; siblings, Jerry (& Renee) Bachman of Owatonna, Jan (& Randy) Bohnsack of Sauk Center, Jim (& Linda) Bachman of Brainerd, LeAnn (& Bill) Cronk of Alexandria, Linda (Kevin) Crawford of New Prague. He is preceded in death by his father, Herschel Bachman.
Services will be held Monday, March 21, 2016, at 11:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Church with Reverend Dr. Steven Trewartha of FaithPoint Lutheran Church officiating. Visitation will take place Sunday from 4-8 PM at Bruzek Funeral Home and 1 hour prior to service Monday morning at church. Military honors will be conducted immediately after the service, followed by lunch at the Park Ballroom. Memorials may be made to the New Prague Baseball Field Renovation or to a scholarship fund being set up at Chaska High School.
Larry’s trademark motto: “Peace, love, and happy thoughts!”
