LAWRENCE K. LANIUS obituary

Lawrence J. "Larry" Lanius, 79 of Livingston, died as a result of Alzheimer's disease, Monday, Sept. 21, 2009, at Frontier Assisted Living Community.

Cremation has taken place at Franzen-Davis Crematory. A celebration of Larry's life will be 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, at 1011 River Drive along the Yellowstone River. Graveside committal and burial will take place at a later date in Highland Park Cemetery, Havre, Mont. Larry was born Feb. 21, 1930, to Jacob L. and Marjorie E. (Lucas) Lanius in Havre, Mont. He attended school in Havre and graduated from Havre High School in 1948. On Nov. 3, 1948 Larry began service with the U.S. Naval Air Branch and was honorably discharged on Oct. 31, 1952. In June 1961, Larry married Patricia M. Haps in Havre and together they raised three sons and a daughter. He made his lifetime career as custodian for the Havre Public School System until June 1978 when he moved with his family to Livingston and began working for the Livingston School District. He officially retired in October 1990 Larry stayed very active throughout his life. He offered his volunteer services and handyman skills to a variety of groups and individuals. Larry was a longtime member of the Van Orsdel United Methodist Church of Havre and more recently he was very proud of maintaining the tennis courts for the Park High girls tennis team. His many passions included bowling, shooting pool, gardening and working outdoors. Larry was very involved in the lives and activities of his grandchildren and traveled many miles to support them. Larry is survived by sons, G. Robin (Marian) Lanius of Reno, Nev., Jay D. (Rose) Gordon of McDonald, Kan., and William L. (Jodi) Lanius of Oaksdale, Wash .; daughter, Jana Chappell (Ken Mantzey) of Livingston; brother, Lloyd (Irene) Lanius of Billings; and sisters, Elaine Rosman of Havre and Evadna (Paul) Flesher of Minneapolis, Minn. Also surviving are 22 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, William. If desired memorial donations may be directed to Livingston Youth Bowling Scholarship Fund, c/o Treasure Lanes, 1122 West Front St., Livingston, MT 59047.