Lawrence A. "Larry" Jonckowski

Larry, also affectionately known as "The Great White Father" because of his prematurely white hair, passed away of natural causes at home on June 19, 2016, at the age of 94. Larry was born on Nov. 27, 1921, to Dan and Mary (Mallek) Jonckowski in Browerville, Minn., the youngest of three sons. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School and excelled in football, baseball and basketball in addition to playing trombone in the band and performing in all of the school plays.

After high school graduation in 1940, he enrolled in the Minnesota Aircraft School in Minneapolis and after completing the course, was employed by Consolidated Aircraft in San Diego, Calif., where he remained until his enlistment in the US Army on Nov. 16, 1942. His military occupational specialty was telephone installer and repairman. His service was in New Guinea, the Philippines and Luzon. He was awarded the American Theater Service Medal, Asia-Pacific Theater Service medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star and Meritorious Award and was honorably discharged on Jan. 16, 1946, at Camp McCoy, Wis.

Following his discharge he moved to Fargo, N.D., and lived briefly with his brother George and wife Shirley while looking for a career. While in Fargo, he met and ultimately married Alma Lange, the daughter of Henry and Elise Lange of Rolla, N.D., on May 19, 1947, and they were blessed with three children. Larry was employed by Minnesota Amusement Company as assistant manager of two movie theaters until 1948 when he became district manager for the Rusco Window Company. He held that position until 1957 when he became a representative for the Theo Hamm Brewing Company of St. Paul, Minn. With Hamm's, he was transferred to Bismarck, N.D., and subsequently to Billings as district manager of Montana and Wyoming in 1963. He stayed with Hamm's until 1970 when the travel became too much and he accepted a position with Ted Godwin of Billings Chrysler Plymouth Toyota, ultimately becoming manager of the Toyota division, where he remained until his retirement in 1986.

Larry's wife Alma passed away in 1996, and he reconnected with his former classmate and high school sweetheart, Adelbert (Al) Woell Ewert, whose husband had died. Larry and Al married and were together until her death in 2003.

Time passed and Larry renewed a friendship with Joyce Kristensen. Joyce and her husband Paul, who also had passed away, had been bowling and card playing partners, friends and next door neighbors for many years. Joyce had also been the confirmation sponsor for Larry and Alma's daughter Linda and Joyce's father had given Linda a horse that launched a lifelong interest in horses and rodeo. Joyce and Larry married in 2006 and were together until his death.

Larry enjoyed golf, horseshoes and bowling. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially the many family vacations to Pelican Lake, near Detroit Lakes, Minn. He also loved to watch his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in their many activities. He stayed close to his nieces and nephews and loved the periodic family reunions, weddings and golf tournaments. He could not pass up an old western or a Minnesota Vikings or Utah Jazz game on TV. He and Joyce enjoyed cruises to Mexico and Alaska as well as hosting holiday gatherings. Larry was also an active member of St. Pius X parish as an usher, Eucharistic Minister, Sacristan and occasional altar server when someone failed to show up. He was also a lifetime member of the Elks. He had many strengths but making quick decisions was not one of them. There was much good-natured teasing associated with his agonizing over his options, as well as his concern about going bald despite his full head of hair. Even with the teasing, he maintained his sense of humor until the end of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Robert and George. He is survived by his wife Joyce; sons Dave (Diane) of Billings and Bob (Terri) of Windsor, Colo.; daughter Linda (Jonnie) of Billings; grandchildren Josh (Amie) Jonckowski of Broken Arrow, Okla., Julie (Robbie) Smith of Billings, Nick Jonckowski, Brooke (Brian) Hopkins, Jami (Dan) Wiens, all of Colorado; stepdaughter Kristi Kristensen of Seattle, Wash.; stepson Kurt Kristensen (Kim) of Billings; step-grandchildren Sheleen Herauf of Billings and Jade Kristensen of Seattle and eight great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place. Vigil will be 7 p.m., June 24, at Dahl Chapel. Memorial Mass will be 10 a.m., June 25, at St. Pius X Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Pius X Church, Angel Horses PO Box 20797 Billings MT 59104 or the charity of your choice. Memories may be shared at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com.