Lawrence “Larry” Keele, age 75 of Helena

Lawrence W. “Larry” Keele passed away peacefully on September 19, surrounded by family after a long battle with multiple health issues

Larry was born in Salmon, Idaho on January 20th, 1943 to Leroy and Linnie Keele.  Larry was the second of four children, joining sister Riva. Sister Rosie and brother Rod would come later.

After high school Larry joined the Navy and was always proud of his status as a veteran.

Larry’s first marriage was blessed with three daughters; Pam, Becky, and Kathy.  They also adopted 3 kids; LD, Peggy, and Janita. Some of the kids’ earliest memories are of riding in a log-truck with their dad and going camping and hunting for sapphires and garnets on the Skalkaho.

In 1981 Larry married Toni Mattila.  It was also the second marriage for Toni and she came with four kids of her own; Dale, Tana, Bambi, and Penni.  Larry welcomed the step-children with open arms and always treated them like his own.

Larry spent 33 years as a truck driver, from log trucks to long-haul over-the-road hauling.

From childhood on, Larry was an avid hunter and fisherman.  Some of his biggest joys were taking friends and family on his boat for fishing outings and weekends spent at the hunting cabin.  Larry was always up for a game of cribbage (or 20) and his skills were feared far and wide. There were few things worse than being left in the “stink-hole” by Larry.

Larry liked a cold beer, a fat steak, a tall whiskey, and a good read.  He had a great sense of humor and infectious smile. He was a man of great faith.  He was a proud and loving grandfather, never letting his grandkids leave without one of his famous bear-hugs.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Leroy and Linnie, sisters Riva and Rosie, and daughter Peggy.  He is survived by his wife Toni, brother Rod (Shirley), children Pam Carlson, Becky Snyder (Bob Bierhaus), Kathy (Mark) Peterson, LD Keele, Janita (Doyle) Van Heeder, Dale Mattila, Tana (John) Bignell, Bambi Mattila, and Penni (Joe) Gray, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 26th at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Road. A reception will follow the Mass in the fellowship hall of the church. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Larry.

Service Schedule

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

Wednesday September 26, 2018

Our Lady of the Valley Cathoic Church

1502 Shirley Road

Helena, Montana 59602

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Reception

Following the Mass

Wednesday September 26, 2018

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church

1502 Shirley Road

Helena, Montana 59602

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