Larry Hall

Lino Lakes | Nominated by Carrie Arcand

Why should he be Father of the Year?
Fresh out of Vietnam, this 26 yr old handsome, outgoing, crazy man persisted to get a date with our Mom (of 3 kids) by offering to fix her car. He met us, fell in love and has been our blessing ever since. He is an example to all what a Father should be. He is the StepDad who “stepped-up” as he unconditionally cared for us. Our Mom died of breast cancer in 2001 and he not only kept being our Dad, but took on the role of being our Mom too.

Fun Facts:
Everyone who knows him has fun Larry stories! Such a huge personality and great guy! He would get us up in the middle of night to dance with him to BTO as he loudly sang “Ain’t seen nothing yet .. BBB-Baby ” Yes, alcohol involved. This generous man found a way to make everyone’s life better.

Karl Thilgen

Center City | Nominated by Julie Thilgen

Why should he be Father of the Year?
I’m 29, and my Dad is still my hero. He goes to work, then to his handyman side jobs, & then comes home, fixing on his own cars or making fishing rods-another side job. Through all of that, he always makes time for me: a safe haven after my horrid divorce, falling into the St. Croix with me on our first canoe trip, watching Bond movies & cooperatively cooking cultural dishes depending on where we see James first, endlessly fixing my Lemon car. Dad has taught me so much, & has always been there.

Fun Facts:
He’s a phenomenal euphonium/trombone player, been playing for years, & I love hearing him jazz it up during commercials. Dad has a lot of favorite musicians, but I know Eric Clapton is one he’s been wanting to see for ages.

Anyone who knows “Karl with a K” knows he’ll joke with everyone he talks to, and leave with a “Merry Christmas” no matter the season.

Larry Forsland

Bloomington | Nominated by April Forsland

Why should he be Father of the Year?
My dad is the most generous dad. Not only did he and my mom adopt 4 kids (paid for all four to go to college), had several foster kids, 4 different exchange students, homeless kid program and one of the founders of Korean culture camp of Mn and is a “big brother” in the big brother program. He has been taking care of my mom who now has Giant cell arteritis and Alzheimer’s. They have been married for 54 years. He has worked hard all his life and shares every penny.

Fun Facts:
He would take each of us kids separately when we turned 5 to the North Stars, now the Wild. He would skip and sing with me to the gate of the Met Center. We got to pick three players we thought were going to score. If they did, we got dollar. As I got older I asked for .50 for an assist. He said “no.” Later I asked for $2 for inflation. He said “no.” To this day at Wild games, it’s still just a dollar. We all learned a love for hockey and gambling.

Rick Miller

Inver Grove Heights | Nominated by Emily Miller

Why should he be Father of the Year?
My dad always goes the extra mile no matter who it is for. It could be his kids, his wife, neighbors, or a complete stranger. Recently, Rick was driving down CR 42 and spotted a wallet. He turned around and got out his car to retrieve the wallet and went out of his way to deliver it to the owner who happened to be a sheriff. My dad has taught me many things in life, like the importance of working for a living, being grateful for what you have, but mostly to be kind and help others when you can.

Fun Facts:
My dad LOVES KQRS. I remember growing up and it would always be on the radio. Dad loves rocking out, we’ve been to many concerts together including Bon Jovi, Phil Collins, Journey & Def Leppard. I would love to see him win so he could grill all summer for the family. My dad is a retired Navy veteran and a bad ass Harley Davidson biker. At 70 years old he’s the real deal!