Obituary: Bockstruck, Larry Eugene

BOCKSTRUCK, Larry Eugene

Larry Eugene Bockstruck passed away at his home May 31, 2012.

Larry was born December 10, 1932 in Kennewick, WA to Loren Herald and Eunice Julia Bockstruck.

Larry moved to Cape Horn (Bayview) in 1936 with his parents and brother, Ron.

Younger brother James (Jack) was born in 1938.

Loren (Bill) died suddenly on Christmas Eve 1943.

Larry and his brothers went to live with his maternal grandparents in Finley, WA.

Larry attended the Finley Community Church and was baptized when he was twelve.

When in junior high the family moved to Spokane.

After high school he joined the U.S. Army.

He was stationed at Hanford.

He married Bonnie Friess of Kennewick, instantly becoming the proud father of three children.

In 1958 he moved his growing family to Bayview, ID.

Larry never left Bayview again.

Larry often said, “I will live where I want to and work where I have to”.

Like his father before him, he loved Lake Pend Oreille, spending his spare time on and around the lake.

Larry married Betty in 1974.

He lovingly added more children to his home.

Larry loved being a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

After retiring from brick laying he and Bettie liked to travel.

They spent many winters in Apache Junction, AZ.

Larry attended the Bayview Grade School from 1938-1943; Finley, WA Grade School from 1944-1947, Havermale Jr. High & North Central High School, Spokane WA 1948-1950.

While still in high school, Larry began working as a hod carrier, becoming a skilled brick, block and stone mason for his entire career.

His expert workmanship is evident and seen in many buildings and homes in the area, including the rehabilitation of the historic Spokesman-Review building in downtown Spokane and several of the brick buildings and structures in Farragut State Park.

He was a member of Brick Layers Union No.3 for over 50 years, employed by several masonry contractors, including Brasch Masonry and Spilker Masonry, Spokane.

Larry leaves behind his loving wife, Bettie, daughter Belinda (Allen) Stewart, Clovis, CA; Steve (Roxzene), Bayview, ID; Donna (Ken), Rose Lake, ID; Bill (Velma), Rathdrum, ID; David (Tina) Husky, Post Falls, ID; Daveana (Kevin) Huff, Bayview, ID and Dana (Marty) Stone, Nashville, TN, several grand and great-grandchildren.

Son, Brad; daughter Denise and brother Jack passed on before him.

Services will be held June 9, 2012 3:00pm at Yates Funeral Home, 774 N 4th Street, Coeur d’Alene, ID.

The family requests instead of flowers, send donations to the Bayview Community Center for a memory plaque.

Make checks out to Bayview Community Center, designating Larry Bockstruck memory plaque, Mail to PO Box 493 Bayview, ID 83803.

YATES FUNERAL HOME, COEUR D’ALENE CHAPEL, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements.

Please visit Larry’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.