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Larry's Auto Body History
Larry L. Fortier founded Larry's Auto Body Shop in August, 1949. Prior to starting his own business, Larry worked for several auto dealers at various locations in the Red River Valley. During that period he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and spent 3 1/2 years in the South Pacific. Sargeant Fortier repaired aircraft damaged in air battles during WWII. In November, 1946 he married Gloria Adamy.

Larry was somewhat famous around the area for two things: fishing, and his pickup truck, because of the lettering. Larry died in 1996.
Larry's Auto Body occupied two locations in Fargo before moving to Moorhead in 1956. The move to Moorhead was a good one. We had many good neighbors there, including Wally Olerud at the City Service/Gulf Station, Warren Guttaw at Warren's Cafe, Sturdevant Auto Parts, and the S&H Drug Store. In 1970 urban renewal claimed the river end of downtown Moorhead - the area now occupied by the Moorhead Center Mall.

Our present location, a 3800 square foot building on the east side of Moorhead, was built with the help of the Small Business Administration. In 1975, Larry's oldest son Terry joined the firm as a repairman and is now the manager. The shop was expanded to 5900 square feet in 1986, and new, state-of-the-art equipment was added. Larry's youngest son David joined the staff in 1994. In 1995, we built new offices, expanded to more than 9000 square feet, and added new equipment, including a heated downdraft spraybooth and an indoor estimating bay.

The New Shop - Built in 1970 and remodeled in 1995.
Our new estimating bay.

During our more than 50 years in the business we have repaired over 15,000 vehicles and, in the process, have met a lot of very fine people. Automobiles have changed a lot in those 50 years and they will continue to change. Larry's Auto Body will continue to grow and add the latest equipment for repairs and claims handling.

Our customers deserve only the best. Please feel confident calling Larry's Auto Body for your collision repair and service. We care, and are here to serve you.


Artwork courtesy of Robert Washnieski