Larry Dean Skramstad 1944 – 2009 Larry grew up on a wooded farm along the Sheyenne River in North Dakota. Winter time was dominated by livestock, hunting and card playing. Summer time was for farming, berry picking and that eternal card playing. There was a landing strip on his family farm where his father, uncle and many cousins flew in and out. They came to visit relatives, to hunt in the woods and hills, 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 a game of whist, pinochle or cribbage. Larry was genetically predisposed to being a story teller, and the long winter evenings only encouraged him to hone his skills. Like so many young men of his time, he was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War Era and served 1966-1968. After an honorable discharge, he pursued flight and aviation even more studiously and received private pilot, commercial pilot and instrument pilot ratings. In 1969, his cousin, Oliver Skramstad, asked Larry to help him drive from North Dakota to Tucson. Once in Arizona, he never looked back. Larry had not appreciated the harsh winters and adapted very well to his lovely new desert home. He only visited North Dakota during the hottest part of summer. Larry’s passion for aviation had him spending much time at the local airport where he met Dee Flint who shared his interest in airports and flying. 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 to establish the family business Avra-Marana Pumping Service. He is survived by his wife DeNelda “Dee”; two sons, Mike and Pat, and five sisters. He is preceded in death by two brothers. Born July 26, 1944
Sharon, North Dakota
Entered into Rest September 28, 2009 Tucson Arizona Visitation 4:00 P.M., Monday, October 5, 2009 Bring Memorial Chapel 236 S. Scott, Tucson AZ Funeral Service 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, October 6, 2009 Bring Memorial Chapel Interment Holy Hope Cemetery 3555 North Oracle Road, Tucson AZ 85705 Pall Bearers Adam Schoonover Loren Flint Mike Skramstad Dennis Skramstad
Charlie Boit Fred Flint Pat Skramstad Rex Myers
Military Honors Conducted by Ft. Huachuca Select Honor Guard Reception Immediately following service Cortaro Vista Community Church 8600 N Camino de Oeste First church on right Please join us