He was retired in 1994 from a position in senior management at Bank of America.
He is survived by his dear and faithful wife of 65 years, Arlene (born Nybakken). He is also survived by his 4 children: Dale (Freda), Kent, Jimmy, and Doug (Pauline); 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved brother Jerry and sister Loretta.
Larry was born into a humble situation in Chamberlain South Dakota, September 13, 1932. While growing up he lived in many small South Dakota towns and attended more than a handful of schools. He grew to be an industrious all-American boy who hunted, trapped, & fished with his brother Jerry, often accompanied by his dog Jeep and occasionally sporting a pet racoon in his coat pocket. He all but raised himself from the age of 14, working all sorts of jobs to put food on the table. He realized that he had a talent for drawing and enjoyed it; but Larry didn't believe it could lead to a career that could support a family, so he made a practical choice to become an accountant. He made a great choice.
He enrolled at the University of South Dakota, where he was determined to excel. That required a balanced regimen of studying for grades and part-time jobs to pay for tuition. On November 11, 1950, when he already had 2 successful years of college under his belt, Uncle Sam came calling. He was drafted into the U.S. Army to support the Korean War effort. Because of his excellent academic record, he received some substantial perks. He was given the option to defer his service until after college. He chose to serve right then. And they enlisted him with the rank of Supply Sargent. He received an honorable discharge after 2 years of service. He then returned to the UofS with the help of the G.I. Bill. He resumed his hard work at the university and was graduated with a BS degree in Business Administration.
Barely into his twenties, the fresh graduate began his career working as an auditor at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. of Chicago. That allowed him to begin helping to support his mother with faithful monthly contributions. Not long after, he met Arlene at a company he was assigned to audit! Sparks flew and after a relatively short courtship, the two lovebirds married and started a family. His career goal was to obtain the accreditation/license of Certified Public Accountant (CPA). With 3 young boys in the roost he was able to reach that goal. That served him well.
Larry was offered a management position at the Arizona Bank in 1964. That allowed him to move his wife and 4 boys out to the warm climate, and the promise of a full life. He was a faithful husband and provider, teaming effectively with Arlene in complementary, traditional roles and a united front. Her skills and support enabled him to learn and grow into what he couldn't have alone - to be an effective fatherly example and manly role model to his boys, leading with his solid work ethic. Their teamwork persistently instilled honesty, integrity, DIY handiness, and faith in God. With Arlene in the co-pilot seat, he piloted many a family adventure throughout the Arizona outdoors and Mexico, as well as yearly vacations throughout the US. He also led the way with extracurricular activities to enrich the family; especially on the golf course - teaching all takers the hobby he so loved.
Larry diligently applied himself to a 29-year career at the bank. During the period that it transitioned to Security Pacific, he moved up through senior management to become Chief Financial Officer. Security Pacific then merged with Bank of America. The merger required many of his unique and highly valued skills, so he chose to postpone his retirement for a time.
When retirement came, he enjoyed a long, well-earned, and adventurous one with Arlene. They built a cabin up north in the pines for the enjoyment of their boys and grandchildren. And they often embarked upon golfing vacations around the world and the US (with their favorite companions, his brother-in law and Arlene's sister). Over Larry's life it became his goal to visit all of the 50 states, and he almost achieved that. He was quite vigorous up until a year before he died, walking several miles a day and doing yard work. Larry was quite proud that he achieved 50 pushups in a row... at the age of 87! Before he passed, he gave his family the assurance that he was ready to meet his savior Jesus Christ, in Heaven.
A private graveside service is planned for after Thanksgiving. Please contact the family for details. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to one of the following charities: The Phoenix Dream Center or Teen Challenge. Our sincere thanks on behalf of Larry and the family!
The Phoenix Dream Center Donations: https://phoenixdreamcenter.org/donate/
Teen Challenge Donations: https://secure.etransfer.com/eft/flexblockcode/donation1.cfm?d2org=TCAZ&d2tool=onetime
Note for Teen Challenge donations: In the online payment form, there's a drop-down menu that directs where payment should go. Please choose "The Men's Training Center – Christian Life Ranch". Also, in the Comments area, enter the words “In memory of Leon Chase”.
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