Larry W. Larsen, 88, of
Billings, MT, passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at his home in Billings.
Larry was born on July 24, 1934, to Ernest and Cecile Larsen of Belle Fourche, SD. After graduating from Belle Fourche High School in 1952, he went to South Dakota State on a football scholarship; they just forgot to inform him he needed to study. Larry looked to United States Marine Corps, where he served overseas and received the National Defense Service Medal. Upon returning to South Dakota, he enrolled in the South Dakota School of Mines, where he obtained his Civil Engineering Degree in 1961.
Larry met his wife, and love of his life, Beverly (Stetter) Larsen in high school. They wed on December 22, 1956, going on to have two children, Larry V. Larsen (Laura) of Billings and Lori L. Larsen Cooley (Andy) of
Ketchum, ID. He is survived by his former daughter in law, Sheila Larsen, grandchildren Austin Larsen, Zach Smith, Lauren McGill (Elliot), Skylar Cooley, and great granddaughter, Eloise McGill.
After college, Larry moved to California to work for Caltrans. Montana was always on his mind so in 1963 he joined Morrison-Maierle as their Billings Branch Manager. Larry later became a partner at Morrison-Maierle and received National Road design of the year and numerous other awards. He was appointed by then Governor Stephens to be the Montana State Director of Highways, the first professional engineer to hold that position. He built roads, highways, airports, subdivisions and water treatment plants in Montana, the Caribbean, Africa and the Philippines.
Larry and Beverly were completely dedicated to family. When he returned from the Philippines in the 90s, Bev and Larry moved to Ennis to support their son and his family in running the Economy IGA Grocery store. His son Larry always said "Dad just returning the favor and thanks for working with me." Larry had employed his son at age 12 to start surveying for him at Morrison-Maierle. Larry and Bev wanted to be with family and the grandkids and became truly involved in the Ennis community and Larry became a commission member. When the rest of the family visits, Larry was always organizing a fishing, hunting, floating or golf outing.
In later years, Larry joined his son in many real estate ventures around Billings mainly to support the family and remain close to his kids. As recently as Christmas, he traveled to Sun Valley to be with his daughter Lori, son-in-law Andy and granddaughter Skylar for a week.
In normal Larry fashion, he spent his last weekend with his son and daughter eating jumbo prawns at Edger Bar, lobsters Saturday night, while drinking martinis with Lori and his bonus daughter Jan.
Larry will be missed by all. Dad how we miss you already, you were our ROCK, our best friend, & our guiding light who will be forever remembered in our hearts. You are back together in heaven with mom to finish your eternal life!
He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Beverly Larsen, who passed last July and numerous other family members.
A joint memorial for both Larry & Beverly will likely be held in South Dakota this coming summer.
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