A memorial service for Larry W. Alvey will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at United Methodist Church in Albert Lea with the Rev. John Mitchem officiating.  Military honors will be performed by Albert Lea area veterans organizations. Visitation will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea and again one hour prior to the service at the church Tuesday. 

Larry passed away Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea. He was 71 years old.

Larry William Alvey was born April 11, 1948, in Albert Lea to parents Robert W. and Charlotte M. (Jensen) Alvey. He grew up in the Hollandale area and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1966, later obtaining his bachelor’s degree in education from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. Shortly after graduating, Larry was drafted into the Unites States Army during the Vietnam era and served his country honorably from 1970 to 1972, and then in the Army Reserves from 1972 to 1976.

When Larry returned from his service, he began his career teaching high school in Iowa for six years before beginning his true passion — being a tour guide for the last 40-plus years, most of those years with 4 Seasons Vacations in Albert Lea. It is rare that somebody gets to do what they love for a living, but Larry was fortunate enough to do so. He was the tour guide for so many people in the area, bringing them on one-of-a-kind vacations that they will never forget.

Besides traveling, Larry was also known for having the “Pumpkin Patch” west of town, as well as selling picture postcards for many years. He loved his animals, having many cats, dogs, sheep, pigs and others throughout the years. Larry was personable, nice and always greeted you with a smile.

He is preceded in death by both parents, Robert and Charlotte Alvey; and a grandniece, Adalynn.

Larry is survived by his two siblings, Christine (Sharon McCutcheon) Alvey and Michael (Penny) Alvey; nieces and nephews Joshua Rebitzke, Jed (Anna) Olvera, Clay (Anna) Levine and Samuel (Catlin) Olvera; great-nieces and nephews Teren, Brandon, Jayden, Kendra, Ashley, Lukas, Lincoln and River; as well as the many friends he made through his travels.

Memorials are preferred to the Humane Society, United Methodist Church or the donor’s choice.

Blessed be his memory!