Larry Brettingen, of Mora, passed away on January 9, 2026, at his home. He was 85 years old.

He was born on October 13, 1940, in Braham, MN to his parents Manferd and Theresa Brettingen. Larry lived in Mora through first grade, then moved to Brook Park. He graduated from Pine City High School in 1958. He decided to become a doctor in the 8th grade.

He enrolled at the University of Minnesota at age 17, majoring in Pre‑Medicine. After completing his course requirements, he enrolled at University of Minnesota Medical School at age 20 and graduated in 1965 at 24 years of age.

In 1962 he married Janet Kozak, and together they had four sons.

After graduating, he moved to San Bernardino, CA, for a rotating internship at the San Bernardino County General Hospital.

He enlisted in the U.S. Public Health Service from 1966–1968 and was assigned to the Division of Indian Health in Fort Belknap, Harlem, Montana. He served as field officer and Service Unit Director with rank equivalent to a major in the armed services. After completing his military obligation, he returned to Mora in 1968 and joined his former family doctors in family practice. He became board‑certified in 1975 and recertified every seven years. His practice included a broad scope of medicine and surgery. It is estimated he delivered 2,500 babies, including several sets of twins and one set of triplets.

He was instrumental in developing the coronary care unit and taught nurses how to interpret EKGs and recognize abnormal rhythms. He took this course to other towns—(Cambridge, Brainerd, St. Cloud, and Sauk Center) to train their nurses. The course was later sponsored by Pine Technical College.

He was an active participant in the Rural Physician Associate Program, teaching many third‑year medical students, two of whom later joined him in practice (Dr. Theil and Dr. Donner). He served on the University faculty as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Department of Family Practice.

He served on the hospital board for nearly twenty years and served as board chair and chief of medical staff.

He was active in Mayra, serving on the board and as president for several years. He helped raise funds for the Mora Civic Center. He was one of the original board members for Dollars for Scholars. He also served on the board of the Paradise Community Theatre and was its president for nearly 15 years.

In 2005 he married Sharon Lidstrom, and in 2006 he retired after 38 years. They continued to enjoy family, fishing, travel, and following grandchildren's activities.

He continued seeing patients at St. Clare's Rehab Center and volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels.

Preceded in death by parents Manferd and Theresa Brettingen.

Larry is survived by his wife, Sharon,  sister, Judy (Juan) Stoleson, brother in law, Gerry (Susan) Lidstrom, children, Craig (Karen), Kirk (Paula), Darin (Lora), Chad (Coleen), Lake (Jake), and grandchildren Megan (Sam), Matt, Dana, Morgan (Alec), Lauren, Bryce, Henry, Norah, William, Veronica, and Lark, great-grandson Archie and dog, Rudy, his niece Shelly (Chris) and nephew Erik, many cousins, good friends and great neighbors.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Methodist Church in Mora, there will be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.  Memorials preferred to the Paradise Theater or Mora Dollars for Scholars.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services, Dresser-Methven Chapel.