Larry Rowland Illa – Ashby, MN

Larry Rowland Illa passed away Sunday, December 14, 2025 in Ashby, MN. He was born July 5, 1946 to Raymond and Ruth (Henley) Illa in Elgin, IL. Larry’s fondest memories of his childhood were spending summers at his Grandmother Lorena Bowman’s home farm located in Eagle Lake Township, MN and catching his first fish on Jolly Ann Lake! He attended grade school in Elgin and graduated from New Berlin High School, WI in 1964. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served for four years including one year in Bien Hoa, South Vietnam. Upon leaving the military, he began working for Illinois Bell Telephone/AT&T as a PBX installer for a total of 25 years. He met his wife, Joyce of 56 years in 1968 and was married in 1969. Larry’s dream was to retire to his beloved Minnesota. In 1993 he and Joyce built their retirement home in Eagle Lake Township, where they lived until his passing. Larry is survived by his wife, Joyce. He was preceded in death by his parents and twin sister, Lynette Beaver. As per Larry’s wishes, no funeral service will be conducted. A private interment will be at St. Otto’s Cemetery in Fergus Falls, MN in the Spring of 2026. Memorials may be sent to: “Angel Fund”, c/o Lake Region Small Animal Center, 1210 E. Hwy. 79, Elbow Lake, MN 56531. Glende-Nilson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Battle Lake is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be made online at www.GlendeNils on.com.