Lawrence James Vanek

1945 - 2024

Lawrence "Larry" James Vanek was born September 9, 1945, at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Lewistown, Montana to Stanley and Deloris Vanek. He was raised on the family ranch South of Brooks. He attended elementary school in Brooks and then Fergus County High School in Lewistown. After graduation in 1963, he worked for Anderson Buick Pontiac and then moved on to Buttrey Foods where he learned how to be a meat cutter, which he continued to do for most of his working career.

Larry proudly served in the Army Reserves for over 20 years. He was deployed to Saudi Arabia as part of Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War. He was a proud veteran and one of the most patriotic men you could ever meet. Upon retirement, he had the vision to construct a Veteran's Memorial Park in Lewistown to honor all of the veterans from Central Montana who served in each of the armed forces. He got others on board with his idea and eagerly raised money to see this dream come true. Family, friends, and visitors can now visit this beautiful park, which overlooks Big Spring Creek and Lewistown, year-round.

Larry liked to be involved in his community. He was a member of the VFW and served as commander for many years. He served on the Central Montana Historical Association board and spent many hours volunteering at the Central Montana Museum. He loved visiting with people about his town and the outlying area with its many treasures found there, one of which was an arrowhead collection gathered by his own family on their ranch in Brooks. He also volunteered at the Junior High School.

He instilled in his children the importance of family, working hard and taking time to enjoy life. He loved to go on adventures whether it was hunting, fishing, soaking up the sun at Warm Springs, taking long drives up in the mountains, listening to records on his old record player, fixing up cars, or sipping a beer with a friend in one of the local bars. He was always game to do something. He was rarely seen without his cowboy hat and cowboy boots, much to his children's dismay, even when wearing shorts and his old favorite orange tank top. He usually had a garden, lots of flowers, and enjoyed watching the birds and other animals that would venture into his yard. He also spent some time writing and was a wonderful photographer.

Throughout his younger years, Larry lived in many different towns in Montana. He also lived in other states in the northwest, including Wyoming and Oregon. His farthest move was to Florida to join his son, Jim, and family. However, no matter where Larry went, he always ended up back in Lewistown. Shortly after surviving COVID in Florida, he made his last move back to Lewistown to be close to his siblings.

Larry was preceded in death by his father and mother, Stanley and Deloris Vanek; step-son, Donovan Orman; brothers-in-law, Ken Ward and Russell Fairbairn; nephews, Al Ward and Pat Vanek; and great-nephew, Brian Pierce. He is survived by his son, Lawrence James "Jim" Vanek II (Tonya) of Florida; his daughter, Sheila Nyquest (Shane) of Alaska; three sisters, Barb Ward, Lois Fairbairn, Donna Skogen (Neil) of Great Falls; his brothers, Leonard Vanek (Diane) of Silesia, Leon Vanek (Kathy) of Brooks and Ronnie Vanek (Annette) of Stockett; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Larry Vanek, 78, passed away Friday, January 12, 2024. Services are pending and will be announced.

Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home. Larry's family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com