Larry Van Watermulen

Larry H. Van Watermulen, age 88 of Perham, MN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at Perham Living.

Larry was born September 9, 1937 to Charles and Anna (Hofland) Van Watermulen in Minneota, MN. Larry was the oldest of 13 children. He spent his earliest years there on the family farm. In 1948, he moved with his family to California. After a brief stay in Petaluma, the family settled on a farm in San Bernardino. For three years, he worked side-by-side with his father, Charles, farming and improving the land before the family ultimately relocated to Butler, MN. Following a short period in Butler, the family purchased Grandma Hofland’s farm on Highway 108 in Perham.

At the age of 17, Larry transitioned from farm life to the world of heavy equipment. He spent 12 years working for his uncle, Harry Hofland, before joining Mark Sand & Gravel where he worked for 12.5 years. In 1972, at the age of 41, he fulfilled his lifelong dream and started Larry Van Watermulen Excavating. Starting with just a Ford tractor with a trip bucket and a five-yard dump truck, Larry built a reputable business through hard work and expertise. Over the years, his business grew to include multiple pieces of heavy equipment. He became well-known for his specialized work in rip-rapping shorelines, landscaping, digging basements, demolition, installing sewer systems, and snow plowing.

On May 8, 1961, Larry was united in marriage to Sharon Wegscheid (daughter of Eugene and Kathryn) in Bluffton, MN. The couple grew together in their marriage, working alongside each other at their business, building their home, and raising their four children. Once retired, he and Sharon spent many years wintering in California and Arizona, spending time with family, friends, and neighbors. Larry had several hobbies including camping, hunting, and woodworking, but his favorite was fishing. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Surviving Larry are his children Deb (Jeff) Palubicki of Perham, Dan (Stacie) Van Watermulen of Moorpark, CA, and Cindy Kay of Sarasota, FL; his grandchildren Tony (Emily) Palubicki, Ashley (Brian) Schornack, Tiffany (Kodey Wheelwright) Van Watermulen, Riley (Makayla) Heinlen, Logan (Kylee) Heinlen, and Garret (Megan) Heinlen; 12 great-grandchildren Aria, Clay, and Archer Palubicki, Reid, Grant, and Kade Schornack, Eleahna Van Watermulen, Avacyn and Holden Wheelwright, Easton and Grayson Heinlen, and Stetson Heinlen; his brothers Leonard (Betty), Ed (Bea), Ken (Roxanne), and Allen; his sisters Marian Thompson and Yvonne Hennen; brother-in-law Mike Loerzel; sisters-in-law Sue, Renee, and Dorothy; along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Larry in death were his wife Sharon; son Gary; his parents; parents-in-law; his sisters Adeline (Lawrence) Dykhoff, Leona Loerzel, and Julianne (Eugene) Malikowski; his brothers Gerald, Tony, and Dennis; his brother-in-law Merle Thompson; and sister-in-law Marianne Van Watermulen.

Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. with Parish Prayers at 6:30 on Monday, February 2, 2026 at Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service in Perham. Visitation will resume from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by the Memorial Mass at 11:00 on Tuesday, February 3 at St. Henry's Catholic Church in Perham. Inurnment will be in St. Henry's Catholic Cemetery at a later date.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com