Lawrence Peter Aldrich (Larry) Heikkila, age 92, formerly of Lake Norden, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 28, in Weatherford, Texas, comforted by his son and daughters. Graveside services will be held at the Apostolic Lutheran Cemetery south of Lake Norden on Saturday, April 20, at 1 p.m. Larry's grandson, Brandon Young of Rifle, Colorado, will officiate. Pallbearers will be Micah Young, Joshua Young, Dawson Valdes, Noah Young, Adam Young and Presley Young. Larry was born at home in Hamlin County on March 23, 1921, to William (Bill) and Mary (Koistinen) Heikkila. His father immigrated from Oululainen, Finland. A South Dakota pioneer, his mother was born just three weeks after her parents arrived in Hamlin County from Finland. Larry grew up on the farm during the Great Depression, graduating from Lake Norden High School and working in the Civil Conservation Corps in Pactola, South Dakota. In 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Force and served in the 605th Bomb Squadron as an Aerial Engineer and trainer, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. Following the war, Larry settled in Orange County, California, trained as a master carpenter, married and raised his family. He became a private contractor of custom built homes in Marin and Sonoma counties before retiring to Hamlin County, living in both Hayti and Lake Norden, where he enjoyed golf, reading, gardening, watching sports, raising calves and overseeing his farmland. In the last year, he moved to Texas to be closer to his family. Preceding him in death were his parents and brothers: Willard Heikkila, Fred Koisti and Arne Heikkila. He is survived by his sister, Virginia Sparling of Spokane, Washington; children: Ken (Sandra) Heikkila of Goldendale, Washington, Lucinda (Hayden) Valdes of The Woodlands, Texas, Linda (Jim) Young of Weatherford, Texas and Dee Dee Heikkila of Tucson, Arizona; grandchildren: Caleb, Brandon, Chelsea, Micah, Joshua, Wren, Dawson, Noah, Jade, Jacob, Adam, Matthew, China Rose, Titus and Barrett; 15 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild.