Lawrence (Larry) James Mashak Sr.

Lawrence (Larry) James Mashak, Sr., 71, of Mountain Home, passed away September 14, 2019 at home, with his wife Karen by his side. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM, on Saturday, September 21, 2019, at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.

Larry was born in Sparta, Wisconsin, on December 5, 1947, the youngest of 5 children, to Lawrence A. and Martha Mashak. He graduated in 1967 from Sparta High School and joined the US Army shortly thereafter. Larry served his country in the Vietnam War as a medic. He married his high school sweetheart Linda Pettis in 1969 and together they had 4 children. Larry transferred service in 1970 and began his Air Force career as a medic working in the ER. He joined the military as a medic because he wanted to help his fellow soldiers, his kindness and a desire to help his family and community continued throughout his life. Linda passed away after a short illness in the fall of 1983.

Larry married Karen Solis in 1984 and adopted her 4 children that same year; their last child was born the next year to make 9 children. He retired from his military career in 1988 as an Aerospace Ground Mechanic at the rank of Master Sergeant. He went on to become a Licensed Practical Nurse and then on to working on the Bergh Farms for 8 years delivering hay which is commonly believed to have been his favorite job.

Larry was an incredibly hard worker and set an example of integrity and faithfulness in the way he cared for his family and customers. Larry made sure he was always available to help out loved ones when there was a need, be it, moving one of his daughters across country or cutting and hauling wood for his mother in-law most summers.

His wife Karen would send him off in the morning, take his face in her hands and tell him: “Faithful, Man of Integrity.”

Larry will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Karen of 35 years, and his 9 children: Lorelei (Gary) Oyler, Carmen (Leon) Bendle, Leland (Elizabeth) Mashak, Jubilee (David) Estes, Lawrence Jr (Lisa) Mashak, Selestina Livingston, Leslie Mashak, Cyrus Mashak, and Phillip Mashak. He is survived by his 3 sisters Marie Hazen, Betty Mashak, and Maggie (Steve) Sill. Larry is also survived by his 32 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Don, and his first wife Linda.

Thank you acknowledgements to the Knights of Columbus for hosting the reception following the memorial, the Bergh Farms’ family for all of their support and kindness, Our Lady of Good Counsel for hosting the reception. We would also like to thank friends and family for all of their support.