Larry Winslow
On Thursday, September 1, 2022 Larry Winslow went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Larry was born April 13, 1945, in Deer Lodge, MT to Carl and Mildred Winslow the oldest brother of a family with 2 brothers and 3 sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mildred, sister June and wife Maryann.
Larry grew up in Lewistown, MT. Larry was active in speech and drama. He also loved playing pranks on his family and his huge smile and laughter always made everyone’s day better. In high school Larry took a part time job with JC Penney and throughout his life JC Penny would play a large part in his life. In 1962 the family moved to Billings and Larry graduated from Billings Senior High in 1963.
After high school Larry attended Multnomah Bible College in Portland Oregon and then later attended University of Montana in Missoula, majoring in pre-med. During this time the Vietnam War was raging, and in 1966 Larry felt led to enlist. He enlisted with the US Navy and was attached as a medic to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines Division where he remained until he was discharged in May 1970. From 1967 – 1968 Larry was stationed in Vietnam. It was during this time that Larry demonstrated his bravery, courage and willingness to sacrifice his safety for his brothers in arms. Known as Doc Winslow, time after time Larry would risk his life to protect and aid the many wounded. Larry made many lifelong friends while serving and in reunions he was still Doc Winslow. It was only from these friends that the extent of Larry’s bravery and service was revealed. Larry’s humble spirit kept him from talking about this, even with those closest to him. While serving Larry was awarded the National Defense Service medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon and the Vietnam Service Medal (two bronze stars).
Once discharged from the military in 1970, he returned to Missoula to attend the University of Montana. Unfortunately, antiwar sentiment was extremely harsh toward returning soldiers and Larry chose to withdraw from school and to continue with JC Penney. During this time Larry met Maryann and they were married June 9, 1973. Soon after he was offered a position at the store on Last Chance Gulch, and they moved to Helena. They were blessed with two children, Bradly and Miriam who were the light of their lives. Sadly, after 27 years of marriage Maryann passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. After this while serving on the Missions team at Helena Alliance Church Larry met Velda. On August 31, 2000, they were married and for the next 22 years they would share life together. They especially cherished their trips together including travelling to Turkey, a cruise and other travel adventures. From the day Larry was diagnosed with dementia until the day he passed away Velda has been at his side and cared for him with unconditional love.
In Larry’s home everyone was welcome. Anyone who knew Larry loved him. Seldom was there a time when Larry didn’t have a friend of Bradley or Miriam or someone Larry met, staying with them. If anyone needed a hand up or any assistance, Larry was there for them with a smile and a hug. Additionally, Larry was just as generous with his time and energy in giving back to his community. Some of his community involvement included, but was not limited to, the Boy Scouts, working with CIVITAN to meet the needs of youth with Downs Syndrome, a member of Jaycees, a member of the Fairground Board responsible for the construction of the new fairground building, a member of the state PTSD Commission, volunteering at Fort Harrison by driving the van and directing patients, volunteering with the Helena Senators baseball team in the concessions area, as well as volunteering with OPTIONS, The United Way and Family Promise, Larry also served as a Commander for the American Legion working with Boys State and placing flags on veterans graves. Larry’s deep personal faith always defined who he was. Larry had an exceedingly strong faith which carried him through the mountains and valleys of life. He was a long-time member of the Helena Alliance church where he served as a mission’s member, a deacon, helped prepare meals for the men’s luncheon and joined a Mexico missions’ trip. Perhaps Larry’s most important position however was as Principal Larry at Westside Tiny Tykes preschool which was run by Velda!
Larry is survived by his wife Velda, son Bradly (Heather) Winslow and daughter Miriam Bella Winslow, stepson David Isaac Hull and stepdaughter Ruth (Jeremy) Wischman; 9 grandchildren (Alima and Aliyah Bella, Kaleb and David Winslow, Cameron and Braden Wischman, Ashton, Adrian and Brooklyn Hull) as well as 2 sisters and 2 brothers (Carleen (Paul) Kaurin, Sylvia (Anthony) Wuest, Calvin (Karyl) Winslow and Duane (Eugenia) Winslow); additionally, many nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave., Helena, Montana. A Funeral Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Wednesday September 7, 2022 at Helena Alliance Church, 1400 Stuart St. Burial with Military Honors will be held following the Funeral Service at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery – Fort Harrison, 3550 Heroes Road, Helena West Side, MT. A light reception and a celebration of Larry’s life will be held at the Helena Alliance Church after the interment service.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that any gifts be sent to Gideon’s International or the charity of their choice. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the Ft. Harrison VAMC health care/wellness team, Lisa, Enhabit Hospice, especially Gina, Kathy Tavegia and Elaine Rummel for their selfless love, support and care for Larry and Velda.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday September 6, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11 a.m.
Wednesday September 7, 2022
Helena Alliance Church
1400 Stuart Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday September 7, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Wednesday September 7, 2022
Helena Alliance Church
1400 Stuart Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday September 6, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11 a.m.
Wednesday September 7, 2022
Helena Alliance Church
1400 Stuart Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday September 7, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Wednesday September 7, 2022
Helena Alliance Church
1400 Stuart Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Doris Brown says
I knew Larry from youth group in Lewistown. Also worked with him one summer in Lewistown. We rode the train out to Multnomah together one semester . My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family!
Tom Naegele says
R. I. P. Friend Larry. Knew Larry for many years and wonderful to always chat with him as our paths crossed. God has blessed 🙏 me so much with our friendship. 🥳❤️ Supportive prayers to Family & Friends🙏
Harlan and Cathy Rudolf says
Harlan and I have fond memories of Larry, either at JC Penney’s or around Helena. I remember the first time he told us he had “met someone” and he literally glowed with happiness! We were so happy he shared the wonderful news with us.❤️
Art Graham says
I am saddened to read of Larry’s passing. I feel sadness also because I did not meet Larry again after we met in U.S. Navy Boot Camp in 1966. I wondered so many times over 50 plus years about Larry. I checked many times to find Larry hoping he was in Billings from where he entered the Navy. How painful that I have found him only upon his passing. Larry was an important friend to me in Boot Camp Company 488. I was just out of high school, and Larry’s friendship as a caring and devoted buddy was encouraging. He resonated always as such a good person and compassionate man. Although saddened that we did not meet again even though both at UM post- Navy and post- Vietnam service and with his being close as he was in Helena and I in Missoula for many years, I find such joy to see Larry’s great accomplishments as a person and devoted servant. I send condolences to family and friends. Please find solace knowing that your life was filled with the goodness of a truly fine man. Anchors Aweigh Larry. May we meet again.
Bob Stenberg says
I had the privilege of working with Larry in the late 70s and 80s. I had no idea about his military service. I do know that he was a very kind man and easy to like. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in this sad time.
Shari mercer says
So sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. He was such a wonderful and kind man. I enjoyed working with him at JCPenneys for many years. I know he will be missed deeply by his family and many many people that were fortunate to cross his path. A very unforgettable man.
Kristine Fife says
I had the privilege of working with Larry at JC Penney many years ago and he was, undoubtably, one of the kindest people I have ever met. My condolences and prayers to his family and loved ones. He was one of the best.
Ardis Kokoruda says
I was sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. We both spent our careers at JC Penney’s and I have fond memories of working with him. Larry was a good friend too who you could always count on to help out. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Tom Pocha says
I met Larry at ” Yellowstone Boys Ranch” , Now Yellowstone Girls and Boys Ranch , in 1964 . I was a “Rancher ” and the Larry’s Parents worked there and the Family lived there . Larry is several years older he was sort of a mentor , I missed the bus occasionally and Larry gave me a ride to school several times , this gave us a chance to bond , He was a a mentor and easy to talk with and he had a knack of understanding I Iive in Helena and ran into Larry at the down town store in the mid ’70s and would bump into one another every couple of years and always a smile ,a hug and a good visit,, We’ld Run into each other at the Broadwater 3-4 times a year in these later years , I last saw Larry at the Broadwater about a year ago and he was not doing well, I talked to Jim Soft a couple of months ago and we talked about our friend. Sadened by his passing he was a friend
Bonnie Sedgwick says
Larry was one of the best Uncles ever. He was always so much fun to be around and had the greatest since of humor. I’ll never forget the time he spray painted himself gold for Crazy Days when he was working at JC Penney. I don’t recall if I actually saw it or just heard the stories (I was pretty young then). But it was a memory that always stood out to me. Uncle Larry always had a smile for everyone and was such a warm, kind person. The earth has lost a good one, but heaven has gained a amazing angel. Love you always Uncle Larry.
Jo Anne Baum says
I also worked with Larry at JC Penney’s and it was an honor to call him a friend. I wroked there 9 years and he was constant in his praise and encouragement. He will be missed as he was one of the good guys! Condolences to the family on their loss!
Alan Sams says
Condolences to Velda and Larry’s loving family. I met Larry in Hospital Corps School, San Diego (1966), and was blessed to have done so. We shared time a visit together to Disneyland with two other Corpsman students, attended “Marine Training” at Camp Pendleton together, and met again on arriving in Vietnam on Thanksgiving Day (1967), Larry assigned to Mike Company, and I to Kilo Company, 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines, and served “our” Marines on the DMZ through many combat experiences and the TET Offensive. Larry served in my wedding (1969), and we were blessed to spend a visit together in 2019. As several have already stated, and countless others know, Larry had a pure heart, a servant of the Lord, and as a blessing to everyone he ever met. Until we meet again, RIP “Doc”.
In His Service Still, “Doc” Alan Sams
Rick Hubbard says
I was saddened to hear of Larry’s response to the final role call. He and I were house-mates when we attended the University of Montana. We rented a three bedroom house just a block from the university and it was a favorite gathering place for our many friends until a few weeks after the weekend we had a party that featured 80 pounds of fresh clams that we steamed. We learned from that experience that boxes clam shells become “highly aromatic” when left in a garage for a few weeks. This was a fact brought to our attention by our landlord. We continued as house mates for the remainder of my time at the university, albeit at another property that was not such a popular gathering place for our clam-loving friends. Although Larry is no longer with us he will remain in my most cherished memories until I join up with him once again.