Lawrence Lee Pattee, 90, passed away at home on November 2, 2025, in the presence of his family.  He was born on August 13, 1935, on a farm outside of Avoca, Iowa, the youngest and last surviving child of William and Alma (Rock) Pattee’s seven children.  

Lawrence grew up on a farm, which instilled a love of nature, an appreciation for hard work, and a strong sense of community, faith, and family.  

He graduated from Avoca High School in 1953.  Lawrence went to Tarkio College, in Tarkio, Missouri, where he met his wife of 68 years, Lavina (McKee) Pattee. Larry played football, basketball and ran track, earning 11 letters in college and was named Man of the Year for his graduating class.  Larry and Lavina graduated from college in the morning and were married in the afternoon in the same building on May 21, 1957.

Larry was an educator—a teacher, coach, and school administrator—his whole life.  He got a master’s degree from the University of Illinois and a Ph.D. from the University of Oregon.

After serving in the Army, Larry lived in Tarkio, Missouri; Dubuque, Iowa; and Alexandria, Egypt, before retiring to Big Lake, Minnesota.  He and Lavina welcomed family visits, fishing in Big Lake and were active in the Buffalo Presbyterian Church.

Larry is survived by Lavina, their children Jeff, Randy (Val Ruttenberg), Linda (Jerry Gilfoyle), and Sharon (Terry Kibby) and grandchildren Jack (Sophie), Emmett, and Cy Pattee, Emily (Connor) and Erin Kibby, and Catherine and Garrett Gilfoyle.  He was preceded in death by siblings Laverne, Edward, Arlene, William, Wallace, Donald, and by his son, Keith.

Larry was a citizen of the world. He was happiest when traveling—whether behind the wheel of the car exploring all 50 United States or while visiting and living in over 30 countries. Dr. Pattee loved his family, the morning newspaper, shoveling snow, and sitting outside by the fire. Services will be held at Buffalo Presbyterian Church.  

“It wasn’t about the miles; it was about the people.”