Born August 18, 1921 to Dorothy and Harold Duff in Brookings, South Dakota, Larry spent his early years attending Elementary and High School in downtown Brookings, often riding a horse through 20 feet of snow to attend class. Larry not only excelled in school but worked hard alongside his Dad and younger brother Gordon tending the crops and livestock on the family farm.
Larry's dream was to be an Engineer. Larry was attending South Dakota State University and active in the South Dakota National Guard Reserves when his dream was put on hold by the declaration of World War II when his Unit was called to action. As a member of the Air Force, Larry was given command of a B17 Bomber and a crew of 10 men and sent to England. He flew 35 missions while stationed in England. Major Larry Duff was then sent to Wichita Falls, Texas where he met the love of his life, Anne Godleski. Larry and Anne married and returned to South Dakota where Larry resumed his studies and graduated from South Dakota State University with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Upon graduation Larry embarked on a highly successful 42 year career as a Quality Engineer Manager with General Electric in New York, Nassau Bay, Texas in the NASA Space Program and finally in San Jose, California in the Nuclear Power Plant Program.
Anne and Larry enjoyed 55 years of marriage, raising three sons, Alan, Stephen and Brian Duff. They loved to travel and visited every State in the US, in addition to traveling abroad. Larry was a talented guitarist and bestowed his musical gifts on his three sons always encouraging them and providing lessons for them to learn and play the instrument they were drawn to. Larry was an avid Bridge Instructor and Player, often winning tournaments with his beloved wife Anne. Larry designed and crafted jewelry and leather works and he was a master at calligraphy. Larry enjoyed gardening and was a horticulturist grafting fruit trees.
In 1997 Larry and Anne moved to Austin to enjoy their children and grandchildren. Larry was the ultimate gentleman, always offering to help, opening your door for you, pulling out your chair and always saying please and thank you and your welcome. Larry had a wonderful, witty sense of humor and everyone enjoyed being with him. Larry loved animals and always was there to pet Nugget and Frannie. After his beloved wife Anne went to Heaven, Larry lived the last 10 years of his earthly life in his home with his loving caregiver family Tilda and Ernesto Cruz. He was still playing bridge well into his 80's and still traveling to beautiful places.
Larry is survived by and will always be cherished by his son Brian Duff and daughter in law Patrice Duff, granddaughter Stephanie Ver Meer and spouse Jesse Ver Meer, grandson Michael Duff, granddaughter Kelly Durante and spouse Mr. Durante, grandson Ty, great granddaughter Addison Ver Meer, great grandson Zane Durante and great granddaughter Ariana Durante.
Larry, we love you and we have been blessed by Father God to have you as our Father, Dad, Grandfather, Grampa and friend.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 23rd at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 1500 N. Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin. Interment will follow at Austin Memorial Park.
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