Charles Anthony Larca

Longtime Jordan Brewers manager Charlie Larca passed away early Monday, March 11 at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis. Larca, a colorful and vociferous manager, led the Brewers to three State Championships, all in separate decades – 1986, 1994 and 2004. 

Larca’s playing days in Minnesota amateur baseball began with the Waconia Lakers in 1980. He then managed and played for the Victoria Vic’s in 1981 where they reached the State tournament. In 1982, Larca began his long tenure managing the Brewers, while also playing through the 1987 season. After one season’s absence, he returned to skipper the Brewers in 1989 until retiring after the 2006 season. 

After 24 seasons as Jordan’s manager, Larca led his clubs to 19 State tournament appearances including ten top-three finishes. 

“He was a guy that understood the game by being around it so much,” veteran Brewers player Scott Hollingsworth said. “It was almost comical at times when he was coaching because it was hard to take him serious, but whatever he told the team he was almost always right.”

Hollingsworth added, “He respected the game more than anyone I’ve ever met in my life. He didn’t allow players, home of visitor, to the ballpark with their hat backwards or out of uniform. At times the team could be a three-ring circus, but he knew how to control the dugout very well.”

Obituary courtesy of Jordan Independent

Charles Anthony Larca was born on April 29, 1946 in New York City (South Bronx), N.Y. to parents Benny and Lucy (Farina) Larca. He and his brother Robert spent their childhood years in the South Bronx. Charlie attended James Monroe High School excelling in baseball and football graduating in 1964.

Shortly after graduation in 1965, Charlie was drafted into the United States Army and served until 1967. He was stationed at Cooke Barracks,Goeppingen, Germany. While in the Army he played baseball. Following his discharge, Charlie spent a year touring Europe before returning to New York. 

In 1969, Charlie moved to California where he met Dianne. Together they raised two children, Jesse and Tracy. Charlie and Dianne’s close-knit family eventually moved to Jordan, Minnesota where Charlie developed a passion for gardening, farming, livestock, and the Jordan community.

Charlie also found an outlet for his lifelong love of baseball by playing on amateur teams in Waconia, Victoria and Jordan. He also served two years as a parole officer before spending the rest of his career from the early 1980’s to 2007 traveling coast-to-coast as a baseball umpire for the Big Ten.

Although Charlie claimed to despise politics, his love for a good debate always seemed to land him in the middle of heated political discussions, keeping his friends and family constantly amused. A loyal citizen for years, Charlie served the city of Jordan through coaching and managing both youth and amateur baseball.

At the age of 66 and a resident of Jordan, Charlie passed away peacefully in the presence of Dianne at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis. Charlie entered God’s arms on the morning of March 11, 2013.

Family was always the central focus of Charlie’s life. He will be forever loved and deeply missed by his wife, Dianne Norris; children, Jesse (Kelly) Larca of Jordan, Tracy Norris of Chaska; grandchildren, Logan and Cayden Larca; brothers, Robert Charles Larca of Prior Lake; many other loving relatives and friends. 

Charlie is preceded in death by his parents Benny and Lucy Larca; great aunt, Mary Farina; cousin, Michael Ferro; sister-in-law, Amy Larca.

Memorial service will be held Thursday, 12 noon at Fort Snelling Historic Chapel in Minneapolis with visitation one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Charlie will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation
will be held at 4:00 pm at Ridges at Sand Creek Golf Course in Jordan. 

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