- Date Of Birth: January 9, 1945
- Date Of Death: September 8, 2017
- State: Idaho
Retired Major General Lawrence F. (Larry) Lafrenz, of Boise, ID slipped peacefully into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, surrounded by his family on September 7, 2017. He was 72 years old.
Larry was so proud of his family, Claudia, his wife of 49 years, his son, Eric, and his wife, Estee, and granddaughters Sierra and Camryn. He was a sincere, devoted husband and father. He is survived by his sister Patricia Rinard of Clarkston, WA; three brothers Steve Lafrenz of Sandpoint, ID; Marc Lafrenz of Athol, ID; Vernon Ogden of Guthrie, OK, and his father-in-law and kindred-spirit, Bill Evans, of Kennewick, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents Stanley Lafrenz and Rauly (Perkins) Lafrenz.
Born on January 27, 1945, in Walla Walla, WA, he spent most of his youth in Lewiston, ID and Clarkston, WA. Larry graduated from Charles Francis Adams High School in Clarkston before attending Washington State University, and finished his degree at the University of the State of New York before going on to the US Army War College.
Larry enlisted in the Idaho Army National Guard in May 1966 and never forgot his roots as an enlisted soldier. General Lafrenz’s devotion to his country, the State of Idaho and the National Guard was born of the enlisted ranks. During his 43-year career with the Idaho Army National Guard, Larry served in many roles culminating in his appointment as the Adjutant General of the State of Idaho by Governor, Dirk A. Kempthorne.
In the harshest conditions of wind and 118° temperature, the 116th Cavalry Brigade, under General Lafrenz’s command, won the fight at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California leading to success in its deployment to Iraq. Leadership by example, with character and tireless hours of preparation and training over the course of 43 years will be his military legacy.
Larry never forgot that a functional military force depended upon the morale of the citizen-soldiers, the sacrifices of their families and the support of their civilian employers. To that end, Larry worked selflessly to ensure every member of the military understood they were essential and appreciated. General Lafrenz was a mentor of soldiers and airmen, who always devoted time to listen thoughtfully and valued their ideas and concerns. It was Larry’s request that he be laid to rest in his Army combat uniform.
Larry was an avid golfer, snow skier, and fisherman. He enjoyed traveling with his family, craft beer with his friends and watching football. Larry always greeted his friends with a warm smile and joined them in their off hours.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. Mark Kropf, Dr. Jonathan Swerdloff and the entire staff the Mountain States Tumor Institute in Nampa, and Dr. Ted Walters and care providers at Horizon Home Health and Hospice for their care and compassion.
