Larry Ronald Scilley

Larry Ronald Scilley, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend died peacefully at home on April 17, 2026 surrounded by his wife Gwen and his two daughters Kay and Ann. He was 83.

Larry had a reserved, quiet welcoming presence about him, and his sharp wit, enjoyment of people, and intellectual curiosity made him a friend to all.

Larry grew up in Leonard, North Dakota, the youngest of five. He helped with the dairy farm chores and in his free time roamed outdoors climbing trees and running on the tops of parked train cars for fun. He was a proud first-generation college graduate, attending North Dakota State University, earning a degree in electrical engineering. Go Bisons! He had a natural love for numbers and curiosity for how things worked. Coming from a small town, college gave him the opportunity to expand on his interests with his fraternity brothers in Sigma Phi Delta, and Methodist Ministries where he met Gwen Oleson who would become his beloved wife of 61 years.

Gwen and Larry moved to Rochester MN in 1965 as Larry began what would be a 33-year career at IBM. As a longtime member of Christ United Methodist Church (CUMC), Larry loved singing in the choir and playing the handbells, rarely missing a practice. Larry and Gwen met many of their closest lifelong friends here. Throughout his adult life Larry never lost his interest in challenging himself and competing in sports, playing tennis, softball, and volleyball for years.

One of his greatest joys was being a father and grandfather. Spending time with his daughters, Kay and Ann, was a priority. Whether it was trips to Menards on Saturday morning, working on home projects, grabbing an afternoon ice cream treat, summer tennis matches, or watching Saturday morning cartoons, Larry was always available and up for some fun. He especially loved being "Grampy" to his grandchildren. Although Larry was known for his quiet nature, when it came to celebrating something exciting or good news, particularly involving his grandchildren, he was the first to give a shout of celebration!

Upon retirement he continued his love for serving others by joining his wife, Gwen, a teacher at Aldrich Memorial Nursery School, to become the school handyman. He found great joy in repairing toys and assembling playground equipment for the children. He loved all 27 years he worked there and the friends he made. He also found great satisfaction volunteering with CUMC Saturday Meals, Reading Buddies, Christmas Anonymous, Community Food Response, Kiwanis, and Meals on Wheels.

In 2019, he was diagnosed with appendix cancer, which began some challenges, but Larry faced these with positivity and determination, consistent with the way he lived his life. He felt the best thing in life was the ability to serve others and he did this so well in his own quiet way, enjoying everyday moments, and sharing his quick-wit sense of humor until the very end. He will be deeply missed.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Harriet (McGuigan) and John Scilley, his brothers Alan, Charles, Donald and sister Margaret. Larry is survived by his wife, Gwen (Oleson), daughters Kay Roller (Paul) of Birmingham, Alabama, and Ann Ripy (John) of Danville, Kentucky, and grandchildren Audrey and Norah Roller and Cole (Jessica), Kacy, and Shjon (Linda) Ripy and great-granddaughter Yumi Ripy, who he adored. Brother-in-law Jim Oleson (Joan), cousin Lori Oleson, and a host of nieces and nephews also surviving.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Ave. SW, Rochester, MN, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Memorials can be made to the CUMC Saturday Meals and Aldrich Memorial Nursery School. A special thank you to the Mayo Clinic staff and St. Croix Hospice for their wonderful care over these last several months and years.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Scilley family.