Larry William Netzel

Larry William Netzel, 79, passed away on September 2nd, 2026 at his home in Marion, MT, surrounded by his family after a long battle with Pancreatic cancer.

Larry was born in Caroline, WI on November 19th, 1946 to Willard and Lucille Netzel. He was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Caroline, WI. He grew up in Caroline, Clintonville, and Marion, Wisconsin. He was the oldest of 8. He had 7 siblings, Carolyn, Steve, Sheila, Mark, Lori, Lance, and Lisa. Larry graduated from Marion, Wisconsin from Marion High in 1964. His motto in high school was "I'd climb the ladder to success, but too many rungs need fixing first."

He served in the United States Army and spent time in Korea during his service.

He moved to Montana in 1969. Where he met the love of his life Helen Rosetta Carpenter, daughter of Charles Francis "Frank" and Rosetta Carpenter. They were married in 1970 and had their daughter Christine later that year. They then had Debbie in 1974 and Amanda in 1979. 

Larry and Helen began their adventure when they were introduced to each other by Helen's brother in-law Marlow and Larry's uncle Pete. They lived in Whitefish for 32 years where they raised their girls. During that time many of their grandchildren were born. Larry started working at the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company in 1969 and worked until the plant closed March 3rd, 2015. He then got his associates degree at FVCC for Welding and CDL. He was also a volunteer fireman for the Whitefish Fire Department for 21 years. He had an extra year because all his fire fighting brothers talked him into 1 more year. He also served for the Marion Fire Department for a year when they moved to Marion in 2002. Larry was also a member of the American Legion and North Valley Eagles for many years.

Larry spent many summers camping at Sylvia lake with his wife and kids. We all enjoyed going to get firewood and building forts. There are many fond memories at the lake, like being out on the lake in the aluminum boat and watching a bull moose swim by. Hunting with dad was also done from Sylvia lake for many seasons. Catching tadpoles and frogs and listening to the wild from inside the pop up tent trailer.

Fairmont Hot Springs was also another family getaway. Every summer for a week we got to go swimming, horseback riding, golfing and sapphire mining. Golf was Larry's most loved pastime. He  spent many hours good and bad out on the course. Whitefish Lake golf course was right up the hill from their Whitefish home so there are probably a few or more of divots caused by Larry. 

They enjoyed their time in Whitefish, however, in 2002 they decided to sell their longtime Whitefish home and purchased 50 acres in Marion, MT, where he enjoyed horses, camping, and always working or tinkering on new projects. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and many outdoor activities. He was always a very hard worker. His "Dad motto" if your not early your late and get to work.

Larry and Helen purchased a home in Wittenberg, Wi in 2019 where they were able to spend part of their retirement together. The house sits on the first hole of a small golf course, (go figure) so of course he left his mark there as well. Santa's Par Tee house! Larry and Helen spent many Christmas's putting smiles on kids faces as they dressed up like Santa and Mrs. Claus. The kids were always excited to tell their friends that their grandpa and grandma are the real Santa and Mrs. Claus. That is how their Wisconsin home was named. 

In 2022 Larry was able to meet Lisa Pickens, the long lost daughter that he was blessed to be reunited with. He was able to get 4 good years of getting to know her. Dad then had 4 daughters, always out numbered by his girls.

He is survived by his wife Helen R Netzel (Carpenter). They didn't know what life had in store for them, but they had 56 years full with daughters Lisa (Mike), Christine (Jesse), Debbie (Pete), Amanda (Jim). Larry has 14 Grandchildren, Alex(Shae), Drew, Ethan, Fayth, Alexis, Wyatt, Kelsey, Jacob, Taylor, Nathan, Kirstyn, Gordon, Rachael(Dustan), and Elizabeth(Andrew). In addition to 15 great-grandchildren. He was a papa and dad to anyone that needed one. All of his little elves will miss their Santa Papa. Larry is proceeded in death by his parents Willard and Lucille, brother Lance Netzel, sister Sheila Schmidt, brother Steve Netzel, son Terry Lee Netzel, son in-law William Roberts, mother and father in-law Frank and Rosetta Carpenter, sister in-law Gerry Neas, brother in-law Marlow Bruch.

A Celebration of Life potluck will be held on Saturday October 10th, 2026 at the Smith Valley Grange Hall at 11am. Please bring a dish and a story or memory of Larry.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to The American Legion or the Marion Volunteer Fire Department.

Darlington Funeral Home is caring for the family.