Obituary: Larry Rockvoy

Larry Rockvoy

Devils Lake, N.D.

Larry Roy Rockvoy, 71, of Devils Lake, N.D. died on Friday, December 29, 2023, at his home in the loving care of family and friends.

Funeral services for Larry were held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Devils Lake on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend JoHanna Buchholz officiating. Military Honors were accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team – Navy. Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery at a later date.

Larry Roy Rockvoy was born December 15, 1952, in Rolla, N.D. to Clarence and Anna (Berg) Rockvoy. He lived in Rolette, N.D. for three years, then the family moved to Devils Lake in 1955. Larry graduated from Devils Lake High School in May of 1971. He continued his education at North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, N.D., Minot State College, and Hanson Trade School in Fargo. He then enlisted in the United States Navy in June of 1974 to June of 1978 and served his country at the Naval Station Midway Island aboard the USS Ranger CV-61. When honorably discharged, he returned to the NDSSS.

Larry re-enlisted in the Navy from December 1981 to December 1985 where he was stationed on the USS Okinawa LPH3. Larry was a Vietnam Era Veteran. He then moved to Phoenix, Ariz. and attended the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in June of 1986.

In 1987, he moved back to North Dakota. The better part of Larry's life, he was employed as a Motorcycle and Small Engine Mechanic. He worked at the Wahpeton Honda Shop, Spearfish Honda/Yamaha in Spearfish, S.D., Twin Honda, Joe's Motor Sports, Halverson Motor Sports, and Home of Economy, all in Devils Lake.

Larry was united in marriage to Rose Lange-Ehlers on July 22, 1994. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved riding his Harley Davidson. He owned two old Harley Davidsons and he always said, "Own an old Harley, own a hobby!" He loved riding, but not so much as working on them. He also loved playing drums; NDSSS Stage Band, Smokin Joe and the Happy Trails, Cliff Foreng Band, Lola and the Three Tunes, A Little Untamed Band, filled in for Rick Senger's Band, Cross Fire Band and a band when stationed on Midway Island.

Larry became a member of the Vietnam Vets Motorcycle Club in 1990 and a life member in 2000, retiring from the club in 2011 and turned in the club colors in 2018.

He and Rose adopted a one-year-old Jack Russell Terrier in 2006 who was a highlight of their lives.

Larry is survived by his wife Rose; daughters Kasey (Derek) Carroll, California and Judy (Matthew) Gonzalez, Texas; stepsons Roger Ehlers, Devils Lake and Jeffrey Ehlers, Fargo, N.D.; 10 grandchildren, Kate Lynn Tina Marie Rockvoy, Tanner Zander, Samantha Jo Duda, Angela Duda, Jessie Ehlers, Isaak Carroll, Skylar Carroll, Dominic Gonzalez, Matthew Gonzalez and Genevee Gonzalez; great-grandchild Emmett; brother Ron (Joan) Rockvoy, Edan, Minn.; sisters Sharon Shamburg, Mesa, Ariz. and Joyce (Kenneth) Heit, Atlanta, Ga.; many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and beloved dog Buddy.

Larry leaves you with his favorite blessing: "The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior and dear Son of God, AMEN."

Arrangements by Gilbertson Funeral Home of Devils Lake, N.D.