Lawrence E. Roberts

Lawrence E. Roberts, 80, of Walhalla, ND and formerly of Laurel, MT, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Essentia Health, Fargo, ND.

Lawrence Elliot Roberts, “Larry,” was born December 17, 1944, in Billings, Montana to Doris and Elza “Bud” Roberts. Larry grew up raising a ruckus in and around Laurel, Montana. He came from generations that knew true hardships, of winters on the Montana prairie with dirt floors and bison hide doors. Those pioneer roots grew deep, and Larry never lost that spirit, making his own way in a changing world.

In 1965 he volunteered for the US Air Force and a year later was off to Da Nang, Vietnam. In May 1966, his company was under attack and mortar rounds sent him flying. He always said, “I was blown up in the jungle.” He survived with only a fragment of hot shrapnel rolled up in his shirt.

After Vietnam, he went into the Navy Reserve as an expert marksman with an M16 and selected to head to Antarctica with the “Prime Beef.” However, before departure, he married his high school sweetheart June Kautz. He also returned to school at Eastern Montana College where he obtained a degree in Special Education. Their marriage lasted 6 years and they remained friends throughout their lives. Larry furthered his education at Montana State in Bozeman and received a Master of Science. So began his life of advocacy for those who did not have a voice - children with special needs.

His rugged individualism led him to the front lines of special education in Alaska as the state’s first Special Education Consultant. He married Connie Rehard in Juneau, Alaska in September 1974.

Larry and Connie eventually settled in Glendive, Montana where they raised their four children: Brandon, Hailey, Jesse, and Chelsea. Larry continued his career as a Diagnostic Psychologist and Special Education Administrator. He and Connie divorced after 30 years but always remained close. After over 40 years in the education field, he retired to Walhalla, North Dakota.

His passion and compassion for both people and animals persisted throughout his life. He was a loving father that coached both sports and life. An introspective man and a philosopher who passed that along to not only his children but all he knew. Larry loved music and had a hunger to learn about the universe in which he lived. He marched to his own drummer.

Larry passed away, surrounded by family, on February 23, 2025, after suffering a severe heart attack. He fought for a week, but he had given his heart to all he loved and left none for himself.

He is survived by his four children: Brandon (Stacia) Roberts of Kalispell, MT; Hailey (Daniel) Moore of Walhalla, ND; Jesse (Kayla) Roberts of Denver, CO; Chelsea (Chris) Roberts of Walhalla, ND; grandchildren: Ethan (Jordie) Roberts, Kyler, Keira, and Kaden Moore, Jack and Charlie Roberts, Leila Roberts, and great grandson Oliver Roberts.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 12 – 2 PM on Saturday, April 5 at Frost Fire Lodge (7 mi W of Walhalla).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your local animal shelter.