Lawrence “Larry” J. Zilliox

Lawrence “Larry” Joseph Zilliox, a devoted educator, community leader, global citizen, and lifelong learner, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was 80 years old.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria with Pastor Andrea Olson officiating. Full military honors will be accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard and the Veteran’s Memorial Honor Guard. Interment will take place at the Kinkead cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Lind Family Funeral Home with a time of sharing for friends and family starting at 7 p.m., and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Born on March 31, 1945, in New Brighton, Minnesota, Larry was the son of Joseph and Adella (Mengelkoch) Zilliox. He graduated from Belgrade High School in 1963 and earned a degree in Dairy Science from the University of Minnesota in 1970. He later returned to the U of M to complete a Master’s degree in Agricultural Education in 1985.

Before beginning his professional career, Larry served in the AmeriCorps VISTA program in Kentucky, teaching adult education and supporting community development in underserved areas. During college, he also traveled to Botswana to help establish a 4-H program. After serving as a pharmacist in the U.S. Army at Fort Hood, Texas, from 1970 to 1972, Larry returned to Minnesota and began a life of service and teaching.

Larry married the love of his life, Karen Kay Peterson, in 1972. They shared over three decades of marriage and raised two sons—Michael (Eliza Larsen) of Chicago, IL, and Timothy (Kristine) of Rosemount, MN—building a home full of warmth, laughter, and purpose until Karen’s passing in 2005. Later in life, Larry was lovingly supported by his dear companion, Barb Brown, whose friendship and presence brought him renewed joy, companionship, and adventure.

Larry began his career as an Extension Educator in Sibley County in 1972, later moving to Douglas County in 1978, where he continued to inspire others until his retirement in 2005. During his tenure, he became a beloved public voice, sharing his expertise through a weekly In the Garden column in the Alexandria Echo Press and regular radio segments on KXRA, educating the community about gardening, agriculture, and the joys of growing things.

In retirement, Larry expanded his lifelong love of hospitality, education, and gardening through several meaningful ventures. He and Karen opened Country Gardens on Lake Mina, a charming bed and breakfast nestled on their picturesque property, in 2002. Larry continued running the B&B with heart and pride for 15 years, even after Karen’s passing.

He also continued his outreach through media as the host of Prairie Yard & Garden on Pioneer Public Television, a role he held for seven seasons through 2017. His genuine curiosity, warmth, and deep knowledge made him a trusted and cherished presence in homes across the region.

Larry was a passionate world traveler with a servant’s heart. Through his work with the International Four-H Youth Exchange (IFYE), Rotary, and other service organizations, he traveled extensively and meaningfully. One of his proudest personal accomplishments was visiting all seven continents—a goal he achieved with great enthusiasm and purpose, often combining travel with cultural exchange, service, and education.

Larry served his community in countless ways: as Chamber of Commerce president in Alexandria, an enthusiastic Habitat for Humanity volunteer, and a beloved Rotarian. He rose to the position of Rotary District Governor (2010–2011), choosing “The Rotary Club That Could” as his theme—an inspired play on The Little Engine That Could, and a fitting metaphor for how he lived his life: with optimism, determination, and the belief that big change starts with small steps.

He is survived by his sons Michael (Eliza) and Timothy (Kristine); grandchildren Annika, George, Lars, Marina, and Brielle; sisters Kathy Hanson of Roseville, MN, and Marie Whittenburg of Orange Park, FL; great uncle George Zilliox; special friend Barb Brown; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Karen, his parents Joseph and Adella Zilliox, and his sister Bette Freese.

Larry’s legacy is one of tireless service, endless curiosity, and a heart as expansive as his gardens. Whether he was casting a fishing line into a quiet Minnesota lake, planting seeds in rich soil, or crossing oceans in the name of peace and understanding, Larry never stopped believing in what was possible.

“I think I can. I think I can. I know I can.”

Larry was the little engine that did. With a steady spirit and a servant’s heart, he climbed life’s mountains using his head, heart, hands, and health to lift others along the way. Like the little engine that could, he proved that determination paired with purpose can change the world.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the E. Global Travelers Rotary Club Foundation. Checks may be made payable to Rotary 5950 Foundation and mailed to: Global Travelers c/o Chris Woelflin, 6215 Zealand Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428.