Larry Kenneth Alexander

Larry Kenneth Alexander January 29, 1952 – May 4, 2026

Larry Kenneth Alexander, devoted husband, father, grandfather, community advocate, and independent scholar, passed away on May 4, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following a short and sudden illness. He was 74.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1PM on Wednesday, May 13 at the Lakewood Cemetery Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408. Visitation will be from 4-7PM on Tuesday, May 12 at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105, and one hour prior to the service at Lakewood Chapel. Burial of cremated remains will be on Friday, May 15 at Lakewood Cemetery.

Born to Andrew and Etter Mae Alexander in Memphis, Tennessee, Larry grew up in Chicago, where his intellect and determination emerged early. He led his high school chess team to a city championship, earned recognition as a National Merit Scholar, and graduated from Macalester College in 1973. He later earned his law degree through studies at the University of Iowa and DePaul University.

Back in St. Paul, Larry became involved in civic life. He helped lead the Minority Contractors Association of Minnesota, participated with the Minnesota Supreme Court Task Force on Racial Bias, and ran for the Minnesota Legislature. At 25, he single-handedly secured a $350,000 Urban Development Action Grant from HUD for redevelopment at Selby and Dale. He served as president of the Minnesota African-American Republican Council and on the state Republican central committee, guided by his belief in the historic principles of the party of Mr. Lincoln. He was active in public affairs including service as a planning commissioner and guiding State judicial appointments and city council elections.

Larry built a long career in commercial real estate development in St. Paul and Chicago, including work connected to the administration of Harold Washington. Friends and colleagues relied on him for counsel on legal, political, and business matters, valuing his analytical mind and thoughtful judgment.

In 2020, he founded the Ida B. Wells Center on American Exceptionalism and Restorative Justice, a nonprofit dedicated to examining systemic racial injustice through historical and legal analysis. His research was well-received at the 2025 ASALH conference in Atlanta, and his documentary project will continue through those who shared his vision.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Andrew and Stanley. He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Gina Alexander; his son, Andrew Alexander; his granddaughter, Karter Jones Alexander; and a large extended family of siblings, nieces and nephews.

Larry Alexander lived with purpose, conviction, and a deep belief in the power of truth to create change.