Larry Wayne Larson

Larry Wayne Larson, 68, passed away on March 25, 2024 due to injuries sustained in a single vehicle accident, on March 17, 2024 caused by complications of diabetes and extremely low blood sugar. He is now in heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for eternity. Though much sadness is felt by those who knew and loved him, we now rejoice, as this isn't goodbye, but until we meet again. Larry was laid to rest on May 29, 2024 at the Larson family plot, located in the Kuper Memorial Cemetery in Chinook, MT.

Larry Wayne Larson was born on October 3, 1955 in Havre, MT, to Ernest and Artista Larson. He was their first born and only son followed by his three sisters; Amy, Julie, and Connie. Growing up in Chinook, Larry enjoyed his childhood, filled with Saturday morning trips uptown, with his grandpa Edwin Kottke. Also, as a young boy with a lot of energy, he loved riding his bike, fishing, swimming at the local pool, tormenting his three sisters, helping his parents at the Gambles Hardware Store and Larson's Furniture along with eating at the Cozy Corner, Tasty Freeze, and A&W.

In high school, Larry along with three of his buddies, started the band 86 Proof. The band practiced in the Larson's basement and garage, for hours on end, playing Smoke on the Water, Proud Mary, and Playing in the Traveling Band. Larry had a great tenor voice as he was truly gifted. Larry liked sports, too, as he played football and basketball, but his true love was always music. He was in the high school choir, Hi-liners, band, and pep-band; Larry played the baritone and tuba.

After graduating from Chinook High School in 1974, Larry was destined to share his love of music with others. He attended Concordia College, in Moorhead, MN, and received his BA in Music Education in 3 ½ years; vocal and instrumental. During his time in college, Larry met, dated and married Alice Ritari the summer after their freshman year. (12 years of marriage) They were the first married couple to be a part of the elite choir.

For the next 32 years, Larry shared his passion of music, with all of his students, at 4 locations: Plummer, MN (10 years), Chinook, MT (2 years), Filer, ID (18 years), and Rocky Boy, MT (2 years). During this time, he received numerous awards and accolades in his life's work. After returning to Chinook, MT in 1987 to teach, he met and married Audrey Lennick in the summer of 1989 and was blessed with two bonus daughters; Amy and Amber. Larry always wanted to be a dad and in the summer of 1990, his first and only biological child was born; Rachael Leigh Larson and she shares his love of music. (18 years of marriage).

Returning home to Chinook to teach at Rocky Boy, Larry was very fortunate to live next door to his parents. This was very helpful to both of his parents and to Larry. Ernie and Artista would dog sit his beloved Pomeranian, Sugar, while Larry was at school. Over time, Sugar became such a companion to them, especially to his mom, so he ended up giving her to his parents.

After 32 years of teaching, Larry retired in Chinook, in 2010, so he could be involved in the small town life. As a Christian man, he played the piano like no other for the Lutheran Church, along with the Methodist and Presbyterian churches when needed, as well as for many other special occasions and funerals. He would get together with a few friends and have jam sessions, in his garage, just like he used to do as a younger man. Larry also enjoyed watching the Chinook High School Sugarbeeter football team, as he would tailgate with other fans at the water tower and they would get to partake in whatever he had made for the event. He loved cooking, baking, and sharing recipes.

Larry had his daily routine of driving all over creation looking for wildlife, taking photos and just enjoying the peace and quiet and beauty of the area. He was a veracious reader with the knowledge on almost anything and everything; Larry should have been on Jeopardy because he was extremely intelligent and had an incredible memory along with a steel-trap mind.

Larry Larson was a big man with a huge heart, he was extremely giving, had compassion for others and had a totally off-the-wall sense of humor. He will be truly missed by his family and friends along with the community of Chinook. Larry is survived by his 3 sisters; Amy Wootten (David), Julie St. Clair, and Connie Duczek (Joseph) along with his daughter Rachael Larson, his nieces, his nephews, extended family and friends.