Larry Howard Rose

Born on June 27, 1961, in Denver, Colorado, and passed away on March 18, 2020, surrounded by family in Edina, Minnesota. Raised in Denver at a time when all children were "free-range," Larry ran around outside past dark, swung on metal swing-sets, blew things up, and lit fields on fire. Graduating from Denver Public George Washington High School and the University of Colorado with an undergraduate degree in geology and a master's in economics, Larry was a natural academic achiever. Learning from his mom at an early age, he always expressed gratitude, held the door for others, and remembered to put the toilet seat down. In 1984, Larry married his high-school sweetheart, Terrie. They moved from Denver to Minneapolis with all of their belongings in the back of a pickup truck. Terrie's graduate-school stipend and a few dollars each month from Larry's mom sustained their fledgling independence. Their secret splurge was to share one plate at the Burger King salad bar. Looking for a job at the height of the 80s recession, Larry considered selling vacuums before landing in the office of Jack Brown at Northwestern Mutual. Although Larry failed all of the exams predicting his success as a salesperson, he asked Jack to give him a chance and found a perennial career. Success and hard work were easy. Larry loved meeting people, had wicked math and memory skills, and was a futurist, all of which served his clients and his family well. Larry was committed to thinking ahead, and he and his daughter, Elizabeth, years in advance signed a succession plan for their business. His dedication to protecting his family and his clients was evident in every action. Larry found an undeniable secret to long-term happiness in his marriage. Dating for forty-two years and married for thirty-five, Larry and Terrie laughed, held hands, and made each other better. When they lived within walking distance to Starbucks, they went each morning and talked over coffee. The staff who didn't know them wondered if they were having an affair. Their connection was authentic, unwavering, and filled with affection, curiosity, and passion. Fatherhood and grand fatherhood were Larry's proudest accomplishments. When their three children were young, Larry was the one who readied them for school, read books each night, and played endlessly. Later, when the children attended Highlands Elementary, Larry never missed attending environmental camp, running the junk-food walk at the carnival, a school performance, parent-teacher conferences, art shows, and potlucks. He loved coaching soccer, basketball, and volleyball, even when cartwheels or chatting were the main activities. As the children developed into young adults, much to their embarrassment, Larry raced to greet their friends, tell jokes, and talk as long as they allowed him to. When it was each child’s turn to leave for college, he said to them, “You will never regret doing the right thing.” As a “transplant" to Minnesota, Larry went out of his way to help others feel welcomed and included. He served as an unofficial Starbucks greeter. A trip to Jerry's for a few grocery items could take more than an hour, depending on how many people he met. He was never too busy to ask questions and to listen. Larry's openness, graciousness, and humility drew people in. He created friendships in every endeavor and maintained many close relationships over time and geography. Particularly special to him was his band of brothers. Once in a bromance with Larry, it was lifelong. He was faithful, fun, and sealed each encounter with a kiss. In September 2017, Larry was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and courageously faced dozens of interventions, medications, and complications. As a result of being a pioneering patient of CAR-T cell therapy in July 2019, he was declared cancer-free. Unfortunately, the treatment worked too well. Progressive neurotoxic side effects over several months took more and more of our Larry away. Larry trusted and appreciated his medical teams. He received extraordinary care delivered with expertise and compassion care by Dr. Balkrishna Jahagirdar, Cindy, Jen, and all of the staff at Region’s Cancer Care Center. Larry believed in the skill and knowledge of Claudio Brunstein at the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota. He valued the research advancements guided by Dr. Andrzej Jakubowiak at the University of Chicago. And most of all, he loved and cherished his friend and quarterback, Dr. Rick Aizpuru. Larry sorely missed and survived by his wife, Terrie; children Elizabeth (Josh Miskovich), Rebecca, and Max; granddaughters Hadley and Adeline; mother Francene; and brother, Brian (Lisa); nephew Josh; nieces Sarah and Rachel. His father, Sheldon, preceded him in death. All who loved Larry dearly will never forget his kindness, generosity, and undying love and care for them. In Larry’s memory, we will gather sometime (to be announced at a later date) during his favorite three weeks of the year (Father’s Day to Fourth of July.) In the meantime, please join us in thanking the amazing staff at the Cancer Care Center at Regions Hospital by making a donations to a special staff appreciation fund in Larry’s honor. Or, consider memorials in Larry’s honor to Caring Bridge, which kept us all connected, and to Baby’s Space, the organization that Terrie helped launch, marking Larry’s commitment to community, education, and family.