Larry and Sheri Paasch

Sheri Paasch passed away Oct. 3 at her home in Troy surrounded by loved ones. Just four days later, on Oct. 7, her husband Larry Paasch joined her, proving that after 45 years of marriage they had no interest in being apart.

Larry, son of Harry and Theresa (Greenwald) Paasch, was born Sept. 30, 1943, and grew up in a town the size of Troy called Bristol, Wisconsin. He graduated from Salem Central High School and was working as a mechanic when a coworker told him about “The Yaak” and they planned a hunting trip to Montana. Shortly after, he moved to Troy, immediately began working in the woods sawing logs, and never looked back.

Sheri, daughter of Richard (“Dick”) and Minnie (Daggett) Smith, was born in Troy July 16, 1944, and raised there. After graduating from Troy High School, she moved into a house right across the street from her parents on “the hill” as it is fondly known by family and friends. This is why Larry would forever tease her for walking around with one leg shorter than the other.

Sheri was a bartender/cook over the years and was working at the Silver Spur one day when Larry walked in and ordered a hot sandwich. Hot was the perfect way to describe it, as she got it too hot and he burned his lip when he bit into it. Feeling awful, Sheri acted fast and gave him a quick kiss on the burn to make up for it. The rest, as they say, is history.

Larry and Sheri were married Aug. 31, 1973. They spent the rest of their years in their home on the hill where they raised their two sons. Their home became an open-door to all friends and loved ones over the years and remained that way until the end. Sheri did various jobs over the years, but what she really loved best was to keep an immaculate home and cook wonderful meals for her loved ones. What was she the absolute best at? Being a grandma. The house was always stocked with Schwan’s ice cream and various treats for the grandkids (and Larry).

Larry worked in the woods until he took a job at the Troy Mine, and eventually went into business for himself as a successful mechanic. He was also a member of the National Guard, and proudly served 40 years with the Troy Volunteer Fire Department. Being involved in the Fire Department was a big part of both of their lives. Larry would proudly take fire trucks through the parades, and help light the fireworks for the town display, back when they lit them off one by one out of old tires. Both of them spent plenty of time in the cook shack making the firemen burgers the town has grown to love. Fellow volunteer Al Matsushita soon discovered he had better keep Larry away from cooking though, so his job was to man the cash register — a safe bet as the grilled onions made the burgers sell themselves.

The two loved their family and their community. The countless memories of days at the Rod and Gun Club playing horseshoes, camping, swimming, softball tournaments, dinners and countless nights at the round table in the house on the hill will be treasured by so many. Their giant hearts and welcoming presence will be missed dearly.

Services are at 1 p.m. Oct. 27, 2018, at Troy Community Baptist Church. Immediately following, the burial will take place at Milnor Lake Cemetery. A potluck will be held at the church afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, donations in their honor may be sent to Troy Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 490, Troy, MT 59935. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.