Larry George Schnitker
July 3, 1949 – December 21, 2017
On December 21, 2017 Larry passed away peacefully in his Peoria, Arizona home with his wife of 38 years, Beverly, by his side.
Larry was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa on July 3, 1949 to Jack Schnitker and Alice (Soppe) Schnitker. Larry came from a large family – the second oldest of 8 children. Larry was raised and loved country life on their family farm near Neola, Iowa. He attended elementary school in Neola and graduated from St. Alberts Catholic High School in Council Bluffs.
After his high school graduation in 1967, Larry was drafted in to the Army and served two years, spending a year of that in Germany.
After his service in the Army, Larry spent two years in Colorado learning the drywall and sheetrock trade. He then moved to Laramie, Wyoming in 1972 where he made his home.
Larry used his drywall skills to begin his career in Laramie which soon turned in to running the successful business, Schnitker Sheetrock.
He met and married the love of his life, Beverly Ivy, in 1980.
They built their home in Laramie with the help of many close friends. Larry once quoted “ it didn’t cost me a lot of money, but it sure did cost me a lot of beer”.
They were blessed with three children: Aaron, Brian, and Laura.
In 1985, Larry made a life changing decision for himself and his family. He found sobriety and with the help of AA turned his life around. He became a sponsor to many in the community whom became life long friends.
Larry became very involved in all three of his children’s sports, spending countless hours and weekends traveling to various places to coach baseball, soccer, and hockey. Larry even laced up the skates himself!
Larry’s passion for his children’s favorite sport led him to play an instrumental role in the Roof the Rink Project helping to build Laramie’s indoor ice arena.
Larry worked hard – he loved Laramie and the Rocky Mountains. He found time to enjoy horses and spending time at the beloved Schnitker cabin with the whole family. One of Larry’s greatest joys was becoming a grandfather.
Larry and Bev were also able to fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming snow birds and buying a house in Peoria where Larry retired and they soaked up the Arizona sunshine for seven years. Larry quickly made friends at the weekly poker games and shooting pool at the clubhouse.
Larry’s children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews all held a very special place in his heart.
Larry loved the people of Laramie and living in Wyoming. To everyone who shared his life – thank you for being a friend, co-worker, or neighbor. Once a friend of Larry, always a friend of Larry.
Larry is preceded in death by his grandparents, father Jack, his mother and father-in-law Nada and Grady Ivy, brother-in-law Randy Joyner, nephew Michael Armijo, and his great nephew Hudson Moore.
He is survived by the love of his life Beverly, his son Aaron (Hannah Kleinhans), son Brian, and daughter Laura (Sam Styles), five grandchildren – Lola, Alma, Upton, Watson, and Isla, mother Alice, brothers John (Kris), Mike, and sisters Janice Ankle (Paul Howard), Linda, Marcia (Wayne Lenard), Cathy (Ronnie Armijo), and Carol Smith, brother-in-law Mike Ivy (Patti), and sister-in-law Becky Ivy Moore and numerous nieces, and nephews.
Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of Laramie, Laramie Amateur Hockey Club, or a meaningful charity of your choice.
A memorial service will be held at The University of Wyoming Conference Center at the Hilton Garden Inn on Saturday January 6th, 2018 at 11:00 AM.
Per Larry’s request a party celebrating his life will take place at The Bear Tree in Centennial, Wyoming on July 21, 2018.
Wonderful friend....always happy and genuinely interested in me, my family and all the various contractors we knew together. Enjoyed his company so many times at our neighboring shops on Renshaw St. location. He always reliably responded and took great care of our sheetrock needs at so many of our various projects, and we are/were so grateful for his good work and crew. Will miss his gleam and smile and gentle talks..... ralph johnson jr.
Bev, Larry meant a great deal to our family through soccer and especially hockey. He is missed; our thoughts are with you. David and Chris Walrath
Our deepest sympathy to your family. We knew Larry through baseball and soccer. Larry coached my daughter's soccer team and was friendly and patient with all the kids. We will miss him. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. George & Lou Ann Chakmakian
Bev: I would like to offer my sincere condolences on your loss of Larry . My prayers are with you. bob shine
Dear Bev and Family, Mike and I send our condolences to you all and know you must miss Larry terribly. I know first hand that he fought a good fight. I had many wonderful conversations with him while caring for him in Dialysis about life in general and our families. He never really complained and I know he was so ill and felt terrible. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike and Leslie Comly
You will be missed by many ,thanks for being a humble friend ! Always enjoyed your words of Wisdom... Glad to have see your place down south , and shooting pool at the clubhouse was a kick! God Bless & rest in peace !!!
Dear Schnitker Family, My deepest sympathy. Everyone loved Larry. He was such a wonderful man. I learned a lot from him throughout our time with the Outlaws. He will be missed by many. Rest In Peace Larry.
To Larry's family: Larry was a special loving, respectful person who had big heart and love for all he met. We had a good visit a couple of years ago at Frontier Days when we encountered one another. Rest in peace my friend.
Bev and family, We were so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. He was a great guy who will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community. May all your wonderful memories help to bring you peace. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of sadness. Peggy and Keith Ferguson
Bev and family My thoughts and prayers are with you
Our sincere thoughts and prayers to all of the Schnitker family. Your sadness is natural and normal. He was a wonderful person in your lives. He has struggled for the past few years and now is at peace. We will keep you all in our prayers. Lois & Julius Pine
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Schnitker family. May you find peace in the good memories.
You will be missed. May you rest in peace.
You will be missed. May you rest in peace my friend.
2464 #1 Lakeside Dr
I was sorry to hear of Larry's passing. He was always a favorite person of mine. I'll always remember his great smile and big bear hugs. Rest in Peace ? Marilynn Salin.
Bev Aaron, Brian, Laura, and families, I was saddened to hear of Larry's passing. I appreciated your friendship and guidance when I became part of the Laramie Amateur Hockey family so many years ago. Larry always was friendly and encouraging. His smile and laugh are enduring. My sincere condolences to you all.
Bev and family, I was sorry to read that Larry had passed away. He was always one of my favorite people to run into whether it be out in public or at the bank. I have very fond memories of him all the way back to your bowling days. He is now at peace. you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Being at Laura’s wedding, I witnessed the closeness and love of the Schnitker family. I remember the pure joy in Larry’s eyes during his father/daughter dance with Laura. In my few interactions with Larry, he appeared to have such a joy for life and spending time with his children. We are sending our love.
Bev and family We are very sorry to learn of Larry's passing. We fondly remember the times we met up at UW events and well as going to the cabin in the winter. Larry always had that smile that lit up the room. Please accept our condolences in this time of sorrow. Bob and Verl-Lee
We love you and miss you and you will always be a part of our lives and my sobriety ! God bless you Larry.
Godspeed Larry✨ You will be in our hearts and memories Always✌️❤️Debi and Danno