Larry R. Fox

Atkinson — Larry R. Fox, 86, of Atkinson, died Monday, Dec. 12, 2022 in Atkinson

Visitation was held Friday, Dec. 16 at Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson with a prayer service.

Visitation continued Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022 at the First Prespyterian Church in Atkinson.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022 at the church in Atkinson. Pastor Wayne Owens officiated. Music was provided by organist and soloist Teresa Janzing.

Pallbearers were Larry's nephews Tony Bosn, Roy Fox, Dan Fox, Jim Belzer, Robert Belzer and Kurt Fox.

Burial was in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Atkinson

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Larry was born Feb. 19, 1936 to Charles and Elizabeth (Hoppens) Fox. It was a cold, blustery day at the home south of Atkinson on the Lee Ranch. The doctor had a difficult time getting there. Larry was the “surprise” number two baby to arrive that day as they didn't realize they were having twins! He was the 11th of 14 children.

Larry grew up on the family ranch and started driving a tractor and working in the hayfield at  a very young age. He attended grade school in Emmet and graduated in 1953 from O'Neill High School. 

Following graduation he began his truck driving career because he was refused entry into the service due to a damaged right hand following a burn accident as an infant.

On May 16th, 1959 he was united in marriage to Hilda Deseive at the Atkinson United Methodist Church. To this union two daughters Lori and Lisa were born. The family made their home in Atkinson.

Larry hauled hay for 25 years for Fox Bros. Hay Co. He loaded all his own trucks with small hay bales using a hay hook. He expected his load to be perfectly straight and stacked! He delivered thousands of tons of hay to many ranchers across the Midwest.

In 1976 he went to work for Galyen Petroleum Company hauling fuel. He was finally able to be home more. He estimated that he drove more than four million miles in his life.

He enjoyed golfing. When he had a load of fuel to deliver in Merriman he would pack his clubs in the sleeper and he and Bob Buckles would go to Martin, SD to shoot a round of golf with their “weapons.” One of his greatest joys was teaching his grandsons Andrew and Cory the game of golf. One of the most important lessons he told them was “Don't Cheat.”

He loved his grandchildren Emma, Andrew and Cory. He especially enjoyed attending their softball, golf and basketball games. He loved babies – teasing them, winking at them and holding them. He was so happy when the great-grandkids visited.

Larry always enjoyed visiting. “Coffeeing” with a group at Roadrunner, calling bingo at the Good Samaritan Center or just talking on the phone. He always had a big smile and laugh. He loved to read and was never without a western book in his back pocket.

Larry will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Larry is survived by his wife of 63 years Hilda; their two daughters Lori of Atkinson and Lisa (Frank) Lechtenberg of Butte; three grandchildren Emma (Ryon) Vogt of Naper, Andrew (Brianne) Lechtenberg of Bennington and Cory Lechtenberg of Butte; three great-grands Grayson, Hadley and Alaina Vogt of Naper,; two brothers Gordon (Vivian) Fox of O'Neill and Raymond (Georgia) Fox of Bella Vista, AR; three sisters-in-law Patty Fox of Yorba Linda, CA, Evelyn Fox of Atkinson and Lois Fox Omaha; one brother-in-law Bill Kelly of Norfolk; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Elizabeth Fox; seven brothers Leonard Fox, Gilbert (Doris) Fox, Wayne (Lou) (Theresa) Fox, Chuck Fox, Bob (Kathy) Fox and Lyle Fox; five sisters Esther (George) Brainard, Ruby (Fritz) Belzer, Marie Kelly, Carol Fox and an infant sister; and one sister-in-law Lorna Fox.