Larry Fierst

1940 - 2025

Larry Lane Fierst of Portage, Indiana was born on July 15, 1940, in Youngstown, Pennsylvania. He passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on October 10, 2025. He was the eldest of eleven children born to Lawrence James Fierst and Elizabeth Ann (Gettamy) Fierst. Raised in Greensburg, PA, Larry graduated from Hempfield High School in 1958 before joining the United States Air Force in 1959. He served honorably for four years as an Air Policeman at Bergstrom Air Force Base near Austin, Texas, where he was also known as an amateur boxer and admired for his exceptional physical strength.

Following his military service, Larry began a distinguished career in the steel industry in Northwest Indiana. After a brief tenure at U.S. Steel, he joined Bethlehem Steel's newly opened Burns Harbor plant, where his relentless and historic work ethic and deep technical acumen propelled him through the ranks to become General Foreman of the #1 Roll Shop. Larry drove global innovation in the chrome roll industry and, throughout his exceptional 50-year career, served as a mentor to generations of steelworkers. He retired from Cleveland Cliffs at the age of 84, leaving behind an unmatched legacy of excellence and integrity.

Self-educated, Larry possessed a brilliant mind and a voracious appetite for knowledge, with expertise spanning politics, history, engineering, chemistry, and literature. Despite his intellect, he remained humble and ironically avoided the spotlight. His true passion lay in the outdoors-he was a lifelong hunter, conservationist, and proud member of the Michigan City Rifle Club in Michigan City, Indiana; and a lifetime member of the NRA.

Larry is lovingly remembered by his cherished partner, Kathleen Lehocky; his devoted children, Lane Michael (Ryan), Christopher, and Pamela Fierst-Walsh (Tim), and their mother, Michelle Fierst; his brothers Gary, David (Susan), Roger (Pat), Mark (Kris), Lindsey (Karen), and Eric (Tracy); his sisters Karen Griffin, Sharon Wonsettler (Joe), and Debbie Slivensky; along with many beloved nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Elizabeth; his brother, James "Bruce" (Donna); and brothers-in-law, Fred Slivensky and Terry Griffin.

Larry will be remembered for his unwavering strength, quiet wisdom, and deep passion for life. Godspeed to your eternal home, Dad. We will always love you-and until we meet again, your spirit lives on in every memory, every lesson, and every heartbeat we carry forward.