DeLyle L. Larson, 74

DeLyle L. Larson was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Sept. 23, 1943, and slipped away peacefully on Aug. 30, 2018, at his home. He was raised in Clear Lake, South Dakota, where he graduated high school. He served in the Army in Germany from 1965 to 1967.

He excelled at the Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Vocational Sign Painting program, which led to a career in painting.

He married Cathy Wolverton on June 25, 1982, and welcomed their only child, Kimberly, in Jamestown, North Dakota, in 1986. They moved west in 1989, eventually settling in Heron, Montana, where they co-owned and operated the Maverick House Cafe on Highway 200 near Bull River. A chance encounter in 1994 led to a deep and lasting work relationship and friendship when he painted his first logging truck for Wayne Dykstra Logging, Inc.

DeLyle and Cathy moved to Thompson Falls in February 2006. DeLyle loved his family above all. He adored his grandchildren and so loved being their “Papi.” As important as family was, DeLyle’s home was truly his castle. He was an independent man who lived a rich but simple life by choice.

DeLyle was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and wife. He is survived by his daughter, Kim Martinez (Luke), two grandchildren, Elena and Cole, of Kalispell, and son, Trevor, of Minnesota.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at Heron Baptist Church.