Lawrence “Larry” DeSmet
Feb. 12, 1943-April 16, 2026
GHENT — Mass of Christian Burial for Lawrence “Larry” DeSmet, 83, of Ghent, will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Minneota. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 24, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 6:00 p.m. at the Horvath Remembrance Center in Minneota. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at the Remembrance Center. Interment will follow the service at St. Edward Catholic Cemetery in Minneota.
Lawrence Joseph “Larry” DeSmet was born on February 12, 1943, in Marshall, MN, the fourth of 11 children born to William and Margaret (DeSutter) DeSmet. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Minneota High School in 1961. After graduation, Larry moved to California where he worked as a Union Iron Worker building high rises and other structures for a time. After his father died, Larry returned to work on the family farm. He was united in marriage to Jacque Ray and to this union were born children Licole, Lee and Lorna. They later adopted twins Layne and Lott.
Larry loved farming and was a steward of the land. He was a Conservationist. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. He was a lifetime member of the Southwest Sportsman’s Club and was involved with many early activities. He was also a Firearms Instructor for more than 30 years. Larry was also passionate about his family. He loved taking his grandkids on fishing trips. He was a proud grandfather. (If you asked him, you would get an earful..) He enjoyed traveling especially on mystery bus tour trips. One of many highlights of his life was a trip to South Africa with his son, Lee, where they participated in the safari of their dreams. Larry was united in marriage to Pam Keyser on June 7, 2003.
Larry went to be with his daughter, Licole, on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Sanford Hospice Foundation Cottage in Sioux Falls, SD. He was loved dearly and will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife, Pam DeSmet; children Lee (LaVonne) DeSmet of Lakeville, Lorna (Carl) Langr of Lonsdale, Layne and Lott; Pam’s children Erica Keyser of Sioux Falls, and Adam (Katie) Keyser of Lake Elmo; grandchildren Sydney, Nick, Jakob, Gabrielle, Olivia, Benjamin, Claudia, Eleanor and Lydia; son-in-law Rob Opdahl of Prescott, WI; brothers Ben (Anne) of Blaine, Ron (Brenda) of Silver Springs, NV, Jerry of Lake Hendricks, SD, sisters Susie Paul of St. Peter, Margie Dahl of Marshall, and Joan (Vincent) Hennen of Alexandria, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Margaret DeSmet, sisters Juliana DeSmet, and Pauline “Sara” Winters, brother Jeff DeSmet, sister-in-law Mary DeSmet, three brothers-in-law Mike Paul, Butch Dahl and Bill Kenne, niece Shannon DeSmet and his beloved daughter, Licole Opdahl.
Arrangements with Horvath Funeral Service Minneota, Minnesota 507.872.6119 www.horvathfuneralservice.com