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Today is : Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Laurence J. Klun PDF Print E-mail
Larry Klun, founder of Klun Law Firm, was a remarkable man.  Not only was he an accomplished and highly respected attorney, but he was a man of great vision, personality, and talent, who dreamed of how things should be, and who then worked systematically to make his dreams a reality. He passionately loved his family, friends, and community. To know Larry was to be touched by the power of his personality. Wherever he went, Larry brought his smile, a ready handshake, his enthusiasm, and his genuine concern for others.
 
Larry was born and raised in Ely, Minnesota.  He was the son of a local butcher.  His father, Tony, started a local grocery store, Klun's Meat and Grocery.  Tony operated the store for nearly a half century and was well-known for his fine sausages.  In addition to the store activities, Tony was an active member of his community.  From his parents, Larry learned the importance of hard work and inherited a true love for his community.
 Larry was a person of professional accomplishment.  He was a graduate of Vermilion Community College and received his B.A. from the University of Minnesota.  Larry worked his way through law school at William Mitchell, supporting himself with his meat cutting skills. During this time, he also became a legislative aide, and quickly became part of the power structure in the Minnesota legislature. When he graduated from law school, he chose to return to his hometown to start his practice.  His mission was to make Ely a better place. He loved the natural beauty of this area, and embraced sailing and boating in the summer, and snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter.
 
Over the years, he served as the City Attorney of Ely, Babbitt, and Winton.  In addition, he was an active BW048_LB_copymember of the Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital Board, a founding member of the Ely Public Utilities Commission, and numerous other public and private entities.  He was a Rotarian, an active member of the Ely Area Development Association, and served on many community boards. When Larry believed in a cause, he showed his leadership by taking a stand, regardless of its popularity.  Larry created a successful practice in Ely and would gladly tackle any area of law from probate to personal injury. He moved his office to a beautifully remodeled building and took on partners, made real-estate a specialty, and created a title company. He won a strong client base, and twice argued before the Minnesota Supreme Court.
 
When he faced adversity or loss, he not only dealt with it, he turned it into a force that propelled him forward. When he lost his kidney function, his family rallied around him, and he received a gift of renewed life though a kidney transplant. During the six years following the transplant, he had 3 heart attacks, 5 angioplasties and finally, triple bypass surgery.  He had difficulties with his heart, but never lost heart. He made a conscious choice not to be a victim, but to be a "doer" and a contributor.  The last 15 years of his life were his most productive.
 
A sense of family was central to his life. Throughout his years, he was proud of his family and reveled in their company and their accomplishments.  His expectations were high and his generosity was great. He and his wife, Judy, raised three daughters: Kelly, Lauren and Barbara, and a son, Tom.  For Larry, they were a great source of pride for their care and concern for each other as well as their academic and athletic successes.
 
 On November 20th 2006, his family and community were shocked to learn of Larry's sudden passing.  However, his legacy remains strong.  As a man of principal, he taught his family and community the importance of honesty, integrity, and sincerity.  His wife, Judy, has continued to teach at Ely Memorial High School. His daughter, Kelly, graduated from Hamline School of Law and has returned to the family practice.  Lauren is a graduate of Carlson School of Management and is currently working at Lockheed-Martin in Washington, D.C.  Barbara and Tom are students at the University of Minnesota. Larry's work ethic and perseverance left a positive impact on his community, his firm, and the legal profession.