Larry Carl Nystrom

Larry Carl Nystrom, born August 8, 1933, left us all for a better place on January 23, 2017. Larry was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Elsie Nystrom, his wife Beverly Kisin Nystrom, and Bev and Larry’s son Nick Nystrom. He is survived by his wife Carolyn Claassen Nystrom, his daughters Kim Nystrom-Geist and her husband Rod, Kelly Ward and her husband Mark, and his grandchildren: Joshua Geist and his wife Megan, Madison Ward, Morgan “Minjie” Ward, and great-grandson Henry Baptista Geist. Larry is also survived by his sister Bonnie Motsenbocker and her family, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Violet and Cedric Riano and their family, brother-in-law Lawrence Eugene Kisin, niece Dawn Angelich, and by Nancy Bianchi who has long been an honorary Nystrom daughter. He is survived as well by Carolyn’s children and grandchildren and great-granddaughter, and multiple members of the Nystrom and Kisin families.

Larry was born and raised primarily in Kingsburg, although his family also lived in Selma and Hanford during part of his childhood. He was born into a family of longstanding multi-generational Christian faith, and in fact, Larry’s enrollment in the “Cradle Roll” of Kingsburg’s Baptist Church is the first thing in Larry’s baby book. Throughout Larry’s life, his faith was his cornerstone. It guided him through all of his days, permeated every aspect of his values, and sustained him through the devastating loss of Nick and later Bev.

Larry’s graduated from Kingsburg High in 1951. Larry, who was handsome until the very day he died, did just about everything a student could do in high school. He was on the football, basketball, baseball and swimming teams. He was on the Student Council, and was Student Body President his senior year. His sister remembers that Larry was always popular and always had a girlfriend. Larry had the same four best friends for his entire life, and these friends were the brothers Larry did not have by birth: Donald Tahmazian, Lowell Carlson, and Duane and Gary Gustafson. While some of those friends were waiting for Larry in heaven, those who remain are bound to miss the lifetime memories they shared with Larry and the others who are no longer with us.

Larry was very proud of being a veteran of the Korean War. He served his country, as did his father before him. After the service, Larry attended Fresno State and graduated with a degree in Business. He and Bev met and married before Larry graduated. After his education, Larry had a long and successful career in the insurance and real estate businesses. After his many achievements, the wise financial decisions Larry and Bev made over the years allowed Larry to retire from Guarantee Savings when he was only 55.

There were lots of things that Larry did—far too many to mention here—but it is what Larry was that matters most to his family and friends. At his very core, Larry was a man of commitment. He was committed to Bev and their children Kim, Nick and Kelly. Larry and Bev often told their kids about those early poor years, and they were both proud of their combined efforts and decision making that provided so well for their family. Larry and Bev together were committed to the grandchildren they both so loved and enjoyed. Larry’s commitment to Bev never wavered, and it was Larry who provided every level of care for Bev during those horrible months when cancer surfaced and took her life. Larry was committed to his faith, and demonstrated that commitment by teaching and attending various Bible studies throughout the years. Although Larry and Bev were married in the Episcopal Church, it was their many years at Northwest Church that had allowed them the greatest opportunity for service and had the most significant impact on their family. Larry’s faith was demonstrated by his generosity in time, money, and effort both to the churches he attended and to people in need. Larry was a long-time supporter of Youth for Christ and Valley Teen Ranch.

In the year after Bev died, Larry met Carolyn Claassen, and they married in May 2003. Carolyn retired not long after she and Larry married, and together they were able to enjoy life, retirement, and each other until the day Larry died. They purchased a beautiful house together, and together turned it into a lovely home. Both Larry and Carolyn were active and vibrant, and they took trips within California and to Hawaii, Florida, Alaska, Branson Missouri, as well as cruises to both the Caribbean and Mexico. Together they attended People’s Church and participated in small groups and other activities in the church. They each developed relationships with the other’s children, grand-children, extended families and friends. They each had the good fortune to welcome a great-grandchild--one on each side of the family--and those memories are precious to the Geist, Ward, Claassen and Bjaaland families.

Larry left his mark on all who knew him, but most especially on his grandchildren. Larry was always in a hurry to go somewhere or take on or conquer some project, but with his grandchildren alone Larry practiced the fine art of doing nothing, and yet that “nothing” was everything. Whether it was bowling with Josh, weekly lunches with Madison, or being Minjie’s best friend, Larry’s thumbprint is indelibly etched on the hearts of his grandchildren. He gave them his heart and his commitment, and his legacy will live on in and with each of them.

Larry kept his strength and athleticism through his whole life. He was always strong, always appeared invincible, and never held still for long. There was always a lawn to mow, a weed to pull, a bill to pay, or a family member to help in one way or another. This remained true right up to Larry’s very sudden trip to the emergency room. While the days during his hospitalization seemed endless to Larry’s family, in truth he went quickly. For a man who was always in a hurry, it’s no surprise that he would pass suddenly and unexpectedly. We are all grateful for the many years Larry was among us; even so, for the family and friends who loved that man, he left us much too soon.

The family wishes to thank all of those who assisted us during these recent weeks. Most especially, the family extends its deepest appreciation to the attending physicians, surgeons, medical and support staff of St. Agnes Hospital, particularly those in the 6th Floor North ICU. We know nothing was spared in trying to help Larry get better, that every effort was made to keep him comfortable, and that each of you was kind, compassionate, and helpful as you kept his family members informed. Please accept our gratitude.

Larry died peacefully, surrounded by those who love him here and greeted by even more who were waiting in heaven.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Larry’s well-lived life at 3:00 p.m. on February 4, 2017, at the People’s Church in the G. L. Johnson Chapel located on Cedar and Herndon Avenues in Fresno. All who knew Larry or the family are invited to attend the service and reception that follows.