Lawrence Gabriel Chavez

Lawrence Chavez of Nisswa, MN died at his home on Monday December 30th, 2024 at the age of 61. Visitation will be held at Noon on Friday January 10th, 2025 followed by funeral at 1:00pm at the Hanson and Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson, MN. Burial will be at Dawson Cemetery.

Lawrence Gabriel Chavez was born in Denver, Colorado to Larry and Elaine (Maestas) Chavez on June 15th, 1963. He grew up and attended school in Arvada, Colorado. In 1981 while working at a nightclub, Larry met the love of his life, Debra Kay Fields. They were married on July 2nd, 1982 in Brighton, Colorado. The couple made their home in Brighton, CO, Dawson, and Blaine before finally settling in Andover, MN. They had two children together: Heather Marie and Amanda Nicole. Sadly on November 25th, 1990 Debbie passed away from cancer at their home. Larry continued to express his love for his wife for the next 34 years until he passed away. Often saying that no one compared to her. Larry worked for Scherer Brothers Lumber Company as a truck driver from 1983 to 2019. With his children grown he eventually moved to Nisswa, MN.

Larry was an athlete throughout his life. He played football and soccer. He was on the Pepsi Cola Allstar team and the semi-professional team, The Denver Dynamos. Larry skateboarded and longboarded well into his 50's. He was an avid skier and fisherman, often taking his girls with him. For many years, Larry enjoyed playing beer league softball for the Stogies. He also enjoyed pheasant and deer hunting.

Larry is remembered as a private person with strong beliefs and convictions. He was a self-motivated person with many opinions. More than anything, Larry loved his grandchildren. He was lovingly known by them as "Papa". He enjoyed teaching his grandchildren many things including how to be independent. He loved taking them places, fishing, four-wheeling, to Monster Jam, and shooting. He was proud of them and often bragged about his grandkids.

Lawrence is survived by his daughters: Heather Boser and Amanda Molitor; his grandchildren Maci Debra Rose and Connor Aaden Boser; siblings Sheri Sergent, Dean Chavez, Alena Martin, and Donny Chavez; his uncle Gary (Denise Munn) Chavez; brother-in-law James Retrum and many nieces and nephews as well as extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Debbie; grandmother Rose Merholtz, grandfather Louis Chavez; father and mother in law Irven and Adeline Fields; sister and brothers-in-law Linda Retrum, David Fields and Daryl Fields. 

Larry Chavez will be dearly missed.