Lawrence LaJoie

Needing a break from the long, cold winters of North Dakota, Lawrence J and Eunice P (Lemire) LaJoie packed up their four children, with one on the way, and moved to Camden, South Carolina. It was there, on February 3, 1940, that Lawrence Henry “Buck” “Larry” LaJoie was born.

Although the move kept them busy and in warmer climates, North Dakota called them back, and Buck spent his childhood and high school days in Ray, ND. Buck could be noted for his tomfoolery and downright hardcore shenanigans. However, his musical ability through both band and singing kept him hanging in there. Even though he spent most of his school days in Ray, he graduated from Wheelock High School in 1959.

Buck worked for his dad in the LaJoie Machine Shop in Ray, where he developed his admiration for and talent for welding. This experience shaped and molded his working skills throughout the years to come.

From 1960-1963, Buck served in the Army and was stationed at Fort Sill in Lawton, OK. It was in Lawton where his unique technique conquered the love of his life. On July 10, 1963, he was united in wedded bliss to Doris (Largin) Throneberry in the courthouse in Williston, ND. Together, they made their home in Ray for a short time.

Moving to Odessa, Texas in late 1964 is when Buck's welding career kept him busy. However, to make ends meet, he flipped burgers at the local Whataburger on weekends. In August of 1965, Buck and Doris became parents to their only child, a daughter, LaVonna. No one will ever know which parent actually named her, as each took great credit and had different stories of how her name came to be. Ha!!

The TransAlaskan Pipeline needed excellent welders, so in 1969, Buck took the challenge, loaded up his family, and began a new adventure. Ten days and 13 flat tires later, they arrived in Anchorage, Alaska. Those were rough times as Buck was gone to Prudo Bay and other vast places of beauty. Those long stints of time away from home took its toll and in 1972 the marriage dissolved. Buck gave marriage a couple more chances, but it just wasn't meant to be.

The oilfield, welding, carpentry, and trucking gave Buck the opportunity to see many places in the US. Occasionally, he would move back to his roots in Ray, but his love for Montana grew boldly in his life. It was at this time, he chose Billings, MT as his home. Buck preferred to be called Larry as he grew older. This helped him cope with hard separations from close family members, along with his hometown, and renewed his hope for a new beginning. A changed name, a new life. Hope is a mighty thing.

It was in Billings where old work injuries prompted disabilities, and Larry retired. He found new passions with his hobbies of woodworking, sightseeing, and long car rides. Chats and visits with dear friends and watching favorite movies on the “boob tube” with his sweet cats Paws and Fargo were often his past time. As life rolled on, caregivers came and went. However, four years ago, one caregiver, Lauren, stuck by his side. A bond grew, and he became her adopted grampa. He found joy through her, her daughter Ella, and Lauren's sister Audrey of whom he nicknamed Bird.

On Good Friday, April 18, 2025, Larry graduated from this earth peacefully at his home in Billings, Montana. He was 85 years young.

Those who stayed behind are his daughter, LaVonna and husband Cody; one wonderful sister, Shirley; his four grandchildren Katy (Chris) and their 2 sons (and Larry's great grandsons), Riggin (Leslie), Bridger (Anna Grace) and Dorionna (Jrake); several nieces and nephews; Lauren (Jennifer) and their beautiful family; his very special friends and of course his beloved pets Paws and Fargo.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Janet and Jeannine, his brother Harley; his first wife, Doris; and other relatives and friends.

Larry's wishes were not to have a service. A private internment will happen at a later date.

If you wish to send a card to Lauren Welch, please do so to: c/o Dahl Funeral Chapel, 10 Yellowstone Ave, Billings, MT 59101

If you wish to send a card to LaVonna Skogberg, please do so to: c/o Connection Church, PO Box 488, Belle Fourche, SD 57717