Senator Jeff Howe (R-Rockville) today issued the following statement on the passing of Commissioner Larry Herke:

“I am disheartened to learn of the passing of Larry Herke, who I considered a family friend, and who was a dedicated public servant and lifelong advocate for our Veterans. COL(R) Herke served our country for over 30 years in the Army and Minnesota National Guard. After his military retirement, he continued his service to Minnesota as the Director of the Office of Enterprise Sustainability and later as the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs.

I had the privilege of working alongside Larry on numerous initiatives to improve the lives of Veterans in our state. His leadership, commitment, and passion for serving others will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who knew him. May he rest in peace.”

Visitation services for Larry will be held on Friday, September 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Grey Eagle, MN (30422 County 2). The funeral service will follow from 11:00 a.m. to noon at the same location. Attendees are encouraged to wear service dress uniforms or business casual (civilian attire).