Larry Lee Lenander

Big Brother lived through four strokes, each stroke diminishing his capacity to live fully, a remnant of exposure to agent orange and a 10 month existence in an Army Regiment that traveled the length and breadth of Vietnam, shooting howitzers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Following his third stroke, he shared his military experiences with his younger brother. He had never shared his Vietnam experience with anyone, although he loved to tell about his 10 day Army leave for Australia and bumping into his favorite cousin taking leave from the Marines in Vietnam.

Returning to America in 1968, Larry attended college in Aberdeen South Dakota, became restless and left for Colorado working as a carpenter, living in the Rocky Mountains and wintering in the Los Angeles area. California life appealed to Larry and he became a building contractor serving the greater L.A. area. Larry, renowned for his inventive approach and building skills, built his home labeled “Craftsman Compound,” which was featured in the L.A. Times in 2010.

Larry will be remembered for his impressive building abilities, his extensive knowledge of trivia, his lively conversations, and his commitment to relaxation. He made meaningful connections with everyone who shared his passions and values.

Larry leaves behind “lil’ sister Toop” and “lil feller Spark”. His two children, Joshua Lenander and Nicole Lenander-Guzy are married to loving mates. He is the grandfather of four boys and is fortunate to serve as the adoptive grandparent to a young girl. All his descendants were born in California!

Larry lived through peaks and valleys, stoic from his Scandinavian heritage, stricken by his strokes but showed an immense desire to live and remained tender to thoughts of his children and grandchildren.

Faith carried Larry when he was unable to walk himself: It is his families’ prayer that Papa’s, Grandpa’s and Big Brother’s soul has reached the area of never aging and he now is without pain, safe in the arms of our Lord!

We do believe Larry is having coffee with Andy and Olga, loving parents that lived on earth leading their children to everlasting life!

Larry’s soul moved on but his bodily remains are contained in an urn displayed in a mausoleum on the grounds of Imperial Memorial Gardens, Pueblo Colorado.

Plans for a celebration of Larry are being discussed with family and friends for early summer 2026.

We ask you to share your memories on this website. Good tidings through written memories always make us smile!

Always in His care,

Celia and Gary