Larry Daniel Gifford

Larry Daniel Gifford

September 24, 1940 – February 25, 2026

Larry Daniel Gifford, age 85, of Pierz, MN, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, at Harmony House in Pierz. He was born on September 24, 1940, in Lynch, Nebraska (Boyd County), to Charles L. Gifford and Mildred (Hansen) Gifford. He was raised with a deep sense of faith, resilience, hard work, and devotion to family. Larry rode his beloved horse, Pet, to a one room school house in Lynch, NE and graduated from high school in O’Neill, NE. Following graduation, he moved to Brainerd, MN, where he joined his family’s farm and later served in the Minnesota Army National Guard from 1963 to 1969.

He was united in marriage to Audrey Anderson in October 1967, and together they were blessed with four children. In 1981, he married Janet Kendrick, and their union brought three additional children into the family. Larry and Janet shared 44 years of marriage.

A lifelong farmer, he was self-employed and deeply connected to the land. Throughout the years, he and his family made their home in Brainerd, MN; St. Joseph, MN; Richmond, MN; and Fort Ripley, MN. Farming was not simply his occupation — it was his calling. He valued early mornings, steady hands, and faithfully providing for those he loved.

Above all else, his greatest purpose was to lead others closer to his Lord God. His faith was not quiet or hidden — it was lived, spoken, and shared. He felt called to spread the Word and guide others toward hope and salvation. His life reflected encouragement and light, and he sought to plant seeds of belief wherever he went, bringing warmth and reassurance to those he met.

Larry is survived by his children:Annette O’Brien of Sauk Rapids;Jeffrey Pilapil of Pierz;Pamala Kay-Williams of Plymouth;Charles Gifford of Ironton;Larry Robert Gifford of Cushing;Rachel (Leo) James of Columbia Heights;Adam (Erica) Gifford of Cottage Grove;

His brother, Ray (Patience) Gifford of Cimarron, CO;

Sixteen grandchildren:Kyriann (2 children), Shannon (5 children), Shawn, Samantha, Chelsey (1 child), Caitlyn (3 children), Jacob, Junia, Lillian, Charlotte, Benjamin, Sequoia, Taio, Paz, Ruben, and Rowan;

As well as cherished great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mildred Gifford; his first wife, Audrey Anderson; and his sister, Janet Stearns.

A visitation will be held at Heritage Church in Baxter, MN on Saturday, March 7, beginning at 10:00 a.m., with a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the church.

Larry will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his love for family, and the spiritual heritage he leaves behind — a life devoted to God, hard work, and generations who carry his light forward.