Larry Dean Skramstad1944 – 2009

Larry grew up on a wooded farm along theSheyenne River in North Dakota. Winter timewas dominated by livestock, hunting and cardplaying. Summer time was for farming, berrypicking and that eternal card playing. There was alanding strip on his family farm where his father,uncle and many cousins flew in and out. Theycame to visit relatives, to hunt in the woods andhills, or to just enjoy the peace and beauty of the

Sheyenne Valley. Most family stories have "hunting" or "flying"themes. Then there were the inevitable “hunting while flying”escapades. This led to even more stories, all told and retold over agame of whist, pinochle or cribbage. Larry was geneticallypredisposed to being a story teller, and the long winter evenings onlyencouraged him to hone his skills.

Like so many young men of his time, hewas drafted into the Army during theVietnam War Era and served 1966-1968.

After an honorable discharge, he pursuedflight and aviation even more studiouslyand received private pilot, commercial pilotand instrument pilot ratings.

In 1969, his cousin, Oliver Skramstad,asked Larry to help him drive from NorthDakota to Tucson. Once in Arizona, he never looked back. Larry hadnot appreciated the harsh winters and adapted very well to his lovelynew desert home. He only visited North Dakota during the hottest partof summer.

Larry’s passion for aviation had him spending much time at the localairport where he met Dee Flint who shared his interest in airports andflying. They also shared a mutual interest in old cars and amateur radio(call letters: KA7APA). They were married May 4, 1974 at Tucson,Arizona.

Larry worked for a short time at the Silverbell Mine then went on toestablish the family business Avra-Marana Pumping Service. He issurvived by his wife DeNelda “Dee”; two sons, Mike and Pat, and fivesisters. He is preceded in death by two brothers.

BornJuly 26, 1944 Sharon, North Dakota

Entered into RestSeptember 28, 2009 Tucson Arizona

Visitation4:00 P.M., Monday, October 5, 2009

Bring Memorial Chapel236 S. Scott, Tucson AZ

Funeral Service10:00 A.M., Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Bring Memorial Chapel

IntermentHoly Hope Cemetery

3555 North Oracle Road, Tucson AZ 85705

Pall BearersAdam Schoonover Charlie BoitLoren Flint Fred FlintMike Skramstad Pat SkramstadDennis Skramstad Rex Myers

Military HonorsConducted by Ft. Huachuca Select Honor Guard

ReceptionImmediately following service

Cortaro Vista Community Church8600 N Camino de Oeste

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