Laurence J. "Larry" Conklin, Sr.
Laurence Conklin, Sr. Obituary
Stevensville - Laurence "Larry" J. Conklin Sr., 85, a cherished husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away on November 20, 2024, in Stevensville, Montana. Born on September 5, 1939, in Woodside, Long Island, New York, to Lawrence and Etta Conklin, Larry lived a life marked by dedication and passion.
In 1957, Larry enlisted in the United States Army, serving honorably in the Ordinance Corps until his discharge in 1961. His commitment to service continued as a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1507, the American Legion Post 94, and the Masonic Lodge, all in Stevensville, Montana. He notably portrayed Meriwether Lewis at reenactments and parades during America's Bicentennial year in 1976.
On October 23, 1971, Larry married Janice "Jan" Kesselbach, and together they shared 53 years of marriage. Larry is survived by his devoted wife, Jan; his son, Laurence Conklin Jr., and daughter-in-law, Carri Ward; his daughter, Christine Conklin Samuels, and son-in-law, Michael and his sister, Marjorie Barber (Davie, FL); as well as several cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren and step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.
A man of faith, Larry served as a deacon at the First Baptist Church of Stevensville for a decade, where he was known for his kindness and dedication to his community. His love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for hunting, fishing, and camping. Larry also had a special affinity for horses, spending many years grooming and training trotters and pacers for the East Coast circuit.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Karen Margolis and Janice Byron, and one brother, Bruce Conklin.
A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2025, where Larry's ashes will be lovingly scattered over his favorite hunting spot, a fitting tribute to a life well-lived. Larry will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his community, and the great outdoors. Services to be handled by Whitesitt Funeral Home, Stevensville, MT.
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