Obituary of Larry John Decaigny

Larry John DeCaigny, 50, of Sawyer, passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at home after a courageous two year battle with brain cancer. He was born July 9, 1951, in Duluth to George and June (Shonyo) DeCaigny. He grew up and attended school in Wrenshall. He graduated from Carlton High School in 1969. He married Susie Jaskari on September 23, 1972 in Sawyer, where they have since resided. Larry graduated from UMD in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts Education. He taught Industrial Arts at Barnum and Aitkin until he was appointed Postmaster of Sawyer in May, 1980. He owned and operated the Sawyer Store for the past 22 years. Larry was a member of the Carlton School Board for the last 18 years. While on the Board, he served as chairman for 7 years. He was Fire Warden of Sawyer and was active in the Sawyer Sunshine 4-H Club for many years. He was a member of Sts. Mary & Joseph Catholic Church of Sawyer; a member of the National League of Postmasters and the National Association of Postmasters of the United States and the Carlton Indian Education Association. Larry enjoyed visiting with his customers and friends, volunteering, attending school events and activities and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his father, George in 1958; his step-father, Nick Galatz in 1994. Larry is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Susie; sons, Matt (Amy) DeCaigny, Ross DeCaigny, Nathan (Amy McKay) DeCaigny and daughter, Sarah DeCaigny, all of Sawyer; his mother, June Galatz of Carlton; sisters, Linda (Steve) Tierney of Excelsior, Janet (Bill) Adkins of Barnum, Cindy (Jon) Ketola of New Brighton and Julie Galatz of Carlton; a brother, Greg, of Excelsior and a very special granddaughter, Olivia Grace DeCaigny. Visitation was Thursday, November 15, 2001 from 5 - 8 PM with a 7:30 prayer service in Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet. Visitation continued Friday, November 16, 2001 from 10:00 until the 11:00 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial in Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Cloquet. Interment was in Sawyer Cemetery.