Edina - Larry was born on August 17, 1935 in Minneapolis, MN, and passed away June 10, 2025, at his home in Edina. He graduated from Minneapolis Southwest HS and Macalester College where he met the love of his life, Patricia. Larry and Pat started long teaching careers in Kerkhoven, MN, North St. Paul and eventually Edina, where Larry was inducted as a hall of fame teacher. Larry taught English, Humanities, Acting and Stagecraft, directed plays and coached soccer. He was influential in the lives of so many students and attended many of their HS reunions over the years. Larry also enjoyed working at Braemar Golf Course, modeling, acting, and keeping a yard that was the envy of many, all after his retirement. Larry and Pat were married 63 years and were parents to Lori, Jim and Andy. People will remember Larry for his care and compassion in teaching. He was the teacher kids wanted to have. He had that "it" factor. The annual lip syncs that his students put on for the school were always a highlight of the school year. Larry and Pat enjoyed winters in Port Aransas, TX and summers at Quadna resort in Northern MN. Larry was preceded in death by his wife Pat, daughter Lori, parents West and Florence and brother David. Larry, aka Gumpy and Hendu is survived by son Jim and his family - wife Crystal and daughters Katie and Molly; son Andy and his family - wife Linda and daughters Margaret, Meredith, Dorothy, and Harriet; grandchildren Joe Elton; Katie Haupert and family - husband Travis and great-grandchildren Mason and Madalyn. A memorial service will be held on August 8 at Vista Lutheran Church -4003 Wooddale Ave.. St. Louis Park, MN. Visitation will begin at 10 AM - Memorial at 11 AM with a lunch immediately following at the church. Memorials preferred to Edina High School Theater Program.
I'm sorry to hear of Larry Stotts passing. Not surprised he lived 90 years. I have such fond memories of him. He was vibrant and engaging! Somehow he made English and Theatre fun! Despite his small stature, he easily commanded a room without raising his voice! He definitely had the "It" factor, but more importantly, he knew how to maximize and inspire those around him to be their best self. He was unique.
i regret that I am unable to attend his memorial service. We will be celebrating our youngest Granddaughter's graduation party that weekend. RIP, Larry Stotts knowing you made a difference in many student's lives.
I remember Mr. Stotts primarily for the summer theater programs he ran in the Valley View auditorium. I was a shy, small kid and he had a way of completely making me (and all the other kids) comfortable and energized in the space. He was totally encouraging of our creative energies and I can say that he deserves the credit for my coming out of my tiny Roman Catholic shell. I could never have imagined that I would indeed eventually have the good fortune of enjoying a lifetime career in the theatre and performing arts. His work and legacy is a perfect example of why arts education in the schools is vital. Bravo. take bow, Mr. Stotts!
I had Larry for Humanities class. He ws a great communicator. When driving west on 42nd street with my adult daughter, I pulled over and called out to Mr. Stotts and he came over to my car. I introduced him to Jessica and we had a delightful time catching up on events of the past.
Bruce Miller
Larry Henderson Stotts Obituary
Edina - Larry was born on August 17, 1935 in Minneapolis, MN, and passed away June 10, 2025, at his home in Edina. He graduated from Minneapolis Southwest HS and Macalester College where he met the love of his life, Patricia. Larry and Pat started long teaching careers in Kerkhoven, MN, North St. Paul and eventually Edina, where Larry was inducted as a hall of fame teacher. Larry taught English, Humanities, Acting and Stagecraft, directed plays and coached soccer. He was influential in the lives of so many students and attended many of their HS reunions over the years. Larry also enjoyed working at Braemar Golf Course, modeling, acting, and keeping a yard that was the envy of many, all after his retirement. Larry and Pat were married 63 years and were parents to Lori, Jim and Andy. People will remember Larry for his care and compassion in teaching. He was the teacher kids wanted to have. He had that "it" factor. The annual lip syncs that his students put on for the school were always a highlight of the school year. Larry and Pat enjoyed winters in Port Aransas, TX and summers at Quadna resort in Northern MN. Larry was preceded in death by his wife Pat, daughter Lori, parents West and Florence and brother David. Larry, aka Gumpy and Hendu is survived by son Jim and his family - wife Crystal and daughters Katie and Molly; son Andy and his family - wife Linda and daughters Margaret, Meredith, Dorothy, and Harriet; grandchildren Joe Elton; Katie Haupert and family - husband Travis and great-grandchildren Mason and Madalyn. A memorial service will be held on August 8 at Vista Lutheran Church -4003 Wooddale Ave.. St. Louis Park, MN. Visitation will begin at 10 AM - Memorial at 11 AM with a lunch immediately following at the church. Memorials preferred to Edina High School Theater Program.
www.Washburn-McReavy.com
Edina Chapel 952-920-3996
Star Tribune 7-13-2025
Sandra Torvik (Bystrom)
I'm sorry to hear of Larry Stotts passing. Not surprised he lived 90 years. I have such fond memories of him. He was vibrant and engaging! Somehow he made English and Theatre fun! Despite his small stature, he easily commanded a room without raising his voice! He definitely had the "It" factor, but more importantly, he knew how to maximize and inspire those around him to be their best self. He was unique.
i regret that I am unable to attend his memorial service. We will be celebrating our youngest Granddaughter's graduation party that weekend. RIP, Larry Stotts knowing you made a difference in many student's lives.
Mark Lynch
I remember Mr. Stotts primarily for the summer theater programs he ran in the Valley View auditorium. I was a shy, small kid and he had a way of completely making me (and all the other kids) comfortable and energized in the space. He was totally encouraging of our creative energies and I can say that he deserves the credit for my coming out of my tiny Roman Catholic shell. I could never have imagined that I would indeed eventually have the good fortune of enjoying a lifetime career in the theatre and performing arts. His work and legacy is a perfect example of why arts education in the schools is vital. Bravo. take bow, Mr. Stotts!
John Dudley
I had Larry for Humanities class. He ws a great communicator. When driving west on 42nd street with my adult daughter, I pulled over and called out to Mr. Stotts and he came over to my car. I introduced him to Jessica and we had a delightful time catching up on events of the past.