Larry Bickler

Bickler

Larry Keith Bickler

July 20, 1948 – May 1st, 2020

Larry Keith Bickler, 71, of Rugby, North Dakota, died suddenly on Friday, May 1st, 2020 at his home near Balta, North Dakota. Larry was born to Peter and Rose (Voeller) Bickler on July 20, 1948 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Rugby.

Larry grew up on his family farm near Balta. He attended the Orrin Country School, and then the Balta school. He worked on his family farm for the entirety of his life. He was united in marriage to Linda (Schultz) Christianson in September of 1998. Larry was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Orrin and was currently a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Balta. Larry loved ranching, hunting & fishing, and he treasured visiting with his neighbors and friends. He made friends everywhere he went, and nothing made him hap-pier than a good joke and a long chat.

Larry is survived by his wife Linda; his step children, Scott (Kasha) Christianson of Grand Forks, ND, Sandra (Joe) Melby of Middle River, MN; Grandchildren, Nadja, Dade, Kai, and Sascha Melby, and Aubrey, Lexi, and Gibson Christianson; sisters, Beverly (Tom) Banasik of Fargo and Annette (Jack) Major of The Villages, in Florida; sister-in-law, Terri Schultz of Minneapolis; nephews, Casey, Bob & Jon; nieces, Adrienne, Reina, & Christina; aunts, Caroline Bickler, Rosie Sperry, & Amy Ellis. Larry leaves behind many dear cousins and lifelong friends . . . too numerous to count!

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Steve Schultz; Aunt Annie Pfeifer and many other beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Larry’s family would like to thank their dear neighbors, friends, and First Responders for all their help and care at this difficult time.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2020 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Balta with burial in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Orrin. Father Franklin Miller, Celebrant.

Organist: Corinne Mack

Vocals/Cantor: Wanda Kremer

The Casket Bearers: Kai Melby, Scott Christianson, Joe Melby, Dade Melby, Eric Kremer, Jim Rennock and Tom Banasik

The Honorary Bearers: Ron Kremer and Casey Banasick

Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby. Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com