Lawrence Curtis Peka

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I worked with Larry at Probation and Parole. I respected and admired him and think I am a better person for having known him. I am saddened by your loss. God bless each of you.

Rock on old friend. We don't remember a time we didn't know you. We will miss you at the Peka party and all the other times we saw you back in MN. We love you Our sympathy to the family. Judy and Gary Boisen

I have to agree with my mother. I can remember Larry from way back when I was a child. He was fantastic to be around-always made me laugh. He watched me grow up. He was an amazing friend to both of my parents and a wonderful boss to one of my dearest friends, and I will forever be grateful to him for his friendship and devotion to my family. May God Bless you in this very difficult time. Always, Megan Blaize Kyle

To the Peka family,
I had to smile when I saw the obituary picture you selected...it was classic Larry with his big smile that lit up a room. I have so many memories from our Probation and Parole days that I could fill a book. Many probably should not even be repeated.....but his annual turkey dinners, his music, his BIG old van, his escapades with Marshall Fisher, his "Grand PooPah" days in the K of C, his strong religious convictions, his dedication, his love of family and country, and his gruff exterior yet gentle interior all make me realize how lucky I was to have had him as a friend. Years ago when my husband would go to Florida every Thanksgiving to visit his daughter, Larry and I and my two little girls would often share Thanksgiving dinner together at some local restaurant. They respected and loved Larry as I did. He will be missed. My prayers and special thoughts are with you and your family at this very sad time.

Dear Curtis, Gwen, and Gavin,
It is really hard for me to express how much your father meant to me. When I first came to P&P, I was told, "Be careful what you say to Mr. Peka, he's a real grouch." However, after only knowing him for a short period of time, I came to realize he was a gentle bear of a man. As the years passed, I looked upon him as a father figure, and when my own father died, I nicknamed your dad my office daddy. My heart is heavy with sadness knowing that I will never hear him call me "Debito" again, but I take great comfort in knowing that he is walking the streets of Heaven and I will see him again there. God's richest blessings to all of you during this time.

Dear Peka Family,

I too worked with Larry for many years at the Probation/Parole Office back in the day. When I left in 1989 for North Carolina, he gave me a crystal dachshund as a going away gift that I still treasure. He was a gentle soul and I am so sad to know he didn't get to enjoy his retirement that he so looked forward to and deserved. I will always remember his dry sense of humor, his thoughtfulness, and his sweet smile. I, along with anyone who knew him, know that Heaven is a little brighter now that Larry has arrived. God bless you all as you deal with your loss. Take comfort in knowing that he was loved by all who knew him.

Dear Peka family-I was a young nurse at Barksdale when I started working in the emergency room with Larry. He was a great leader,listener and friend and a real diehard fan of the Minnesota Vikings. I am sorry about his passing but I am so glad that I knew him-he will be missed.

Peka Family, Larry was one of my "best friends" who added a richness to my life. Starting with our band in high school and them schmoozing when he and his siblings came home to Le Sueur. I have some very fond memories of an "authentic person"; you knew what he thought when he thought it. He reminded me of Burl Ives with his musical skills also Elvis Presley...could go on from there.
Do and will miss him but know we will get together for a singing session and some make-believe-golf again someday.

Dear Peka Family,
I worked with Larry during the 70's in P&P. I LOVED this man! He was a "hoot". I have teased my husband before that if I hadn't married him, I would have married Larry Peka. He was one of the kindest, gentlest and most unforgettable souls I have ever known. The world has lost someone special and even though I haven't seen him in over 30 years (which I deeply regret), my heart is heavy today to learn that he is no longer here. My prayers and deepest sympathies are with you today as you prepare to say your final goodbyes. May God bless you all!

Larry was someone I was always glad to see come through the doors of Bossier City Court. He brought many smiles to the faces of the ladies in our office and although we haven't seen him in many years, we will always cherish the memories of our good friend Larry.

Hello. I worked with Larry at P & P when I transferred up from Baton Rouge. He was a special kind of person. He was tough, yet kind. He will be missed. Sorry for the loss to your family.

In spite of all the years and all the geography that has separated us, you remained a very special friend from the past! I will always remember the music we made together while we had our group the "Magnatones". I am sad that you are gone but know that the time will come when we sing together again. RIP partner. See you on the other side..

Larry and I knew each other when he was working P&P and I was at the Indigent Defender's Office in Benton. Being from Minnesota myself we had that link. He always said he would go back to Minn. as soon as he retired so I was surprised to see him still here. I always enjoyed the parties at his place and the lunches we shared. He was a good man and will be missed. God Bless your family.

Family of Larry,
I knew him many years ago when he and my Father Bill Svoboda boweled together at BAFB. Also went to many quarter beer nights at the Captians games. Saddly we now morn an American Hero who served his country proudly.
Dean Svoboda

I have some great memories of battling my old "ubervisor" from P&P, competing for the title of Grammar Police, and generally butting heads! Larry was certainly a character, and I'll always appreciate him for his kindness and concern after the death of my mother.

Dear Family of Larry...we knew Larry through high school...and saw him a number of times in Le Sueur with friends when he was able to come home for a summer visit. Dennis was a little closer in age graduating with us. May the Lord bless your family at this time of loss. Sincerely...Mary Lou and Bob Meyer

Larry and I spent many hours together playing golf and goading each other about our various abilities and talents, or lack thereof. He had many names for me, such as dweeb, dipwad, dork, doofus to name a few but he always intended them as a joke, as least I think he did. Our old foursome always had an enjoyable time together, he will be missed by us all.
Charles (Gene) Wheeler, friend.

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Lawrence C. Peka our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Larry And to Larry it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during the Vietnam War while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Larry, we bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,341 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Larry’s family and loved ones.

Dennis Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109