Larry Glenn Stroklund

Larry Glenn Stroklund, 76, passed away Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, at his home in Libby, Montana. 

He was born Nov. 10, 1947, in Devils Lake, North Dakota to Glenn and Marjorie (Feldmann) Stroklund. Larry spent his early years growing up on the family farm near Cando, North Dakota. He graduated from Egeland High School in 1965 and went on to attend Minot Teacher’s College in Minor, North Dakota for two quarters. 

After being drafted, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 1967 to be an Airborne Ranger. He became a Green Beret and Airborne Ranger during his first three years in the Army. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant (E-6) with only 2 ½ years in the service. He subsequently re-enlisted and was soon selected for officer candidate school (OCS). He graduated from OCS and was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on Sept. 24, 1973, as a Finance Officer. He retired as a promotable Major with 21 years of service in September 1988.

He graduated from the University of North Caroline (Fayetteville) Magna Cum Laude on May 6, 1979, with a BS in Business Administration. He went on to earn his master’s degree from the University of Southern California. He graduated with a MS in Safety and Systems Management on December 22, 1981.

He served and traveled all over the world and was fond of saying that they had been in all 50 states and all the continents except Antarctica. And he was never going to go there! His favorite trip was when he took his bride to the Taj Mahal in India for Valentine's Day in 2010. 

That same year they visited Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Indonesia. They had toured Europe and Egypt in 2004, before they married. They really enjoyed their fall foliage tour of the New England states in 2013. Then have been on two cruises to the Caribbean; one on the Atlantic Coast of South America; and to Hawaii three times. 

When they drove to Alaska in 2000, Larry caught a 265-pound halibut and Mary caught a 50-pound ling cod. They both enjoyed hunting, fishing, dancing and playing cards.

His military awards included the Silver Star medal; Legion of Merit medal; Meritorious Service medal; Joint Service Commendation medal; Army commendation medal; Army achievement medal; Good Conduct medal; National Defense Service medal; Vietnam service medal; Armed Forces Reserve medal; NCO ribbon; Army service ribbon; Overseas Service ribbon; US Army retired pin; as well as the Master Parachutist Badge; Ranger Tab; Special Forces Tab and two excellence in competition marksmanship badges.

While in Libby, Larry became very active in veteran organizations. He was a life member of the American Legion, National Rifle Association and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was the post adjutant and finance officer for the local American Legion Post #97 for 25 years. He also was the American Legion District #4 Commander from 1997 to 2000. He then served as the Western Montana Zone Commander in 2000 and 2002, and then again in 2015 and 2017. 

Larry served as the Montana White Cross Chairman for five years, starting in 2002. He received a national appointment to the American Legion Force Structure Committee in 2015. He held many positions in the Libby VFW over the years, with the most notable as the Commander of the Cooties for three years, beginning in 2012. 

Larry was also a Boy Scout Troop assistant scoutmaster from 1995 to 1999; helping his son, Christopher, become an Eagle Scout in 1997. In addition, he served as a Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Hunter Safety Instructor for 20 years. Larry was active in the community with other volunteer projects. He loved his roses and was a member of the local garden club, Avid Gardener.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Marjorie; nephew, Tyler Smith; and grandson, Elijah Candee.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Beth; children Aunisa (Barry) Craig and Christopher (Bernadette) Stroklund; stepdaughters Brandee (Joe) McClenning and Suzanne (Matt); stepson Chris (Sharla) Candee; grandchildren Ashlynn, Adian, Ayva, Cayden, Ryan, Addison, Alana, Alysah, Eros, Aurora, Eris and Ares; sisters Myrna Arlene Shilling, Faye Adell Stevens, Daphne Lou (Dick) Smith, and Sharon Marjorie (Bill) Hartl; numerous nieces and nephews; his American Legion family; his VFW family and his many friends.

There will be a visitation from 1-7 p.m., Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, at Schnackenberg Funeral Home Chapel in Libby. 

Graveside services with military honors will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, at the City of Libby Cemetery. Online memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.