Larry James Jentoft

Larry James Jentoft, 78, died at home with his wife and daughter by his side on Sept. 30, 2023 from complications of ALS. Larry was born in Duluth on June 12, 1945 to Lawrence and Astrid (Holland) Jentoft. He graduated from Duluth Denfeld High School in 1963. He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve for six years and a life-long member of Christ Lutheran Church. Larry married Susan Backstrom on August 5,1969 and together they raised two children, Jill and Jim. Larry worked for Minnesota Power from 1966 until he retired as Lead Lineman in 2004. He was a great handyman and could build or fix just about anything. Larry was an avid fisherman and enjoyed spending time at his cabin on Pequaywan Lake. He was happiest when he was outdoors. He loved Minnesota sports and rarely missed watching a Twins, Vikings, or Wild game, and he followed UMD hockey and football. Larry had the best sense of humor and loved to tease his grandkids. He kept his family laughing until the end! Larry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be dearly missed. He was preceded in death by his grandma Anna Holland who helped raise him, his parents Lawrence and Astrid, his second dad Pat Haley, his son Jim in 2012 and daughter-in-law Diana in 2015, and his father and mother-in-law Cliff and Betty Backstrom. Larry is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Sue; daughter Jill (Scott) Higgins; grandchildren Madison, Nicholas, Caleb, Mackenzie, Melissa, and Tommy; sister Jean Clark; brother-in-law Jim (Beth) Backstrom; niece Annalise; nephews Steve, Michael, Todd, and Craig; and his furry companion Emma. Larry’s family would like to thank all the members of the Essentia ALS Clinic for their kindness and support. Memorials in Larry’s name to the ALS Association, St. Mary’s Grief Support, or Animal Allies would be greatly appreciated. A celebration of Larry’s life will be scheduled at a later date.