Lawrence Arnold Goga age 90 of Howard Lake, MN passed away May 24, 2023. Lawrence was born to Lawrence Albert Goga and Phyllis Ruth (Neitzel) in Minneapolis, MN on July 25, 1932. He grew up in North Minneapolis where he was active in high school sports and graduated from Patrick Henry High School, class of 1950. He later went on to achieve a Bachelor of Arts from the University of MN. He was the first police officer to get a criminal justice certificate at the University of MN. Larry was a decorated war Korean war veteran (rifleman in Army infantry) who was stationed on ‘Heartbreak Ridge’ when armistice was signed. He served as the first President of MN Chapter 1 of Korean war veterans and was recognized as an Ambassador for Peace. He also spearheaded the movement to establish the State Korean War Memorial. He was a long- term member of the St. John’s Byzantine Catholic church of Minneapolis.
After graduating from the police academy in 1962, Larry held a long, storied career as police officer and detective. He loved catching “the bad guys” and was credited with breaking up several high- profile crime rings. He served as President for both the Brooklyn Center Police Association and the Suburban Police and Peace Officers Association. He was an influential figure in working towards Policeman’s rights within the metro area during the 1970’s and a member of the Police Relief Association. He found importance in being involved in the communities he served to protect and was a proud director of the Brooklyn Center boxing club that built relationships between community youth and the police officers. He retired as a investigator for the MN legislative auditor. Larry was dedicated to learning about his Rusin heritage, becoming founder/President of the MN Rusin Association.
Preceded in death by parents Lawrence and Phyllis Goga and Daughter Cynthia.
Survived by Wife Karen, Sons Dan and Derek Goga, Daughter Lisa Goga, Stepchildren Reid Norine, Julie and Jim Carlson, Grandchildren Riley Norine, Bryce and Heidi Carlson, Lauren Carlson.
Funeral service at Swanson Peterson funeral home in Howard Lake Friday, June 2. Visitation 10:00, Service 11:00, Lunch 12:00 South Shore event Center in Howard Lake. Family Burial service following lunch at Crystal Lake Cemetery Minneapolis at 2:45. A special thank you to St. Croix hospice for being a part of Larry’s final journey home!
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