Larry Lee Joseph Gadaire

Larry Lee “Larry” Joseph Gadaire, age 75, passed away peacefully, August 2, 2026, surrounded by the ones he loved under the care of HIA Hospice.

Larry was born on August 2, 1951, in Altona, MB Canada to Lawrence and LouWanna (Schultz) Gadaire. He was raised in Long Beach, CA and graduated from Carson High School in 1969. Larry tried his hand at the idea of furthering his education at the Harbor Junior College in Mechanics. Then decided that a better life option would be to enlist in the Air Force National Guard, where he served and was ranked, Staff Sergeant. He was honorably discharged for medical reasons.

In 1974, he moved to Walhalla, ND and worked road construction. He met Margaret “Maggi” (Reimer) and they were married and had two children, Vanessa and Steven. Larry decided that building construction was more to his liking and he started building and working with various local companies. Later, he started his own construction business, Larry’s Woodworking, where he created works of art. Eventually, he moved to Cavalier and partnered with another gentleman and they established LS Industries where he branched out in the finish carpentry world and started doing flooring and cabinetry until 2000.

Larry then moved to Grand Forks, ND after marrying Janet (Helgoe) Gadaire on June 3, 2000. He worked at LM Glassfiber and for Grand Forks Paint and Glass. Larry retired in 2019 due to his failing health.

There are no stories that can be told about Larry that don’t have a funny punch line or a great ending. Larry had the gift of gab, he could make one conversation into a lifelong friendship. His biggest joy in life was his grandchildren (the tiny humans). He enjoyed woodworking over many years including and not limited to building his first house, kayaks, canoes, and even urns in the later years. Larry also enjoyed fishing, reading, camping, trapping and hunting. He was also a member of the American Legion and the VFW. Larry fought all the good fights and always had the best attitude about life. He will be deeply missed and will never be forgotten by all of his family and friends.

Larry is survived by his wife, Janet (Helgoe) Gadaire; his children, Vanessa (Ross) Ellingson, Steven Gadaire and Misty Burke; grandchildren, Alyssa (David) Kammermeier, Lillian, Iris and Raylan Ellingson, and Joshua Burke.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Linda Hess and Lori Smith and many other family members.

Larry's family will begin to welcome family and friends at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in East Grand Forks, MN followed by a Celebration of Life at 5:00 p.m. and fellowship and dinner will follow the service. Please wear your best Hawaiian Shirt and be comfortable he wouldn’t want it any other way.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Larry's family will be providing donations to local organizations that had a impact on his life.