Larry Vernon Liljestrand, age 70, of North Platte, Nebraska passed away on August 18, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on February 9, 1950 at Dr. B.W. Pyle's Hospital above the Potter Pharmacy in Gothenburg, Nebraska to Vernon and Alice (Johnson) Liljestrand. Larry grew up on a farm south of Brady, Nebraska with his older sister Marie (Liljestrand) Duis and graduated from Brady High School in 1968.
Larry married the love of his life, Patricia Ann McCarty on March 21, 1970, the first day of spring in that year. Two children were born to this union, Lisa and Adam. Larry continued his family's work on the farm south of Brady until 1977 when he traded the plow for the diesel engine of the train with the Union Pacific Railroad. The fmaily made the move to North Platte in 1979 and continue to reside in the same house today. He worked his way up to engineer over the years, retiring in 2012, putting in over 34 years of service to the Union Pacific Railroad.
Larry enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting deer, pheasants and geese. He became a certified scuba diver and loved going spearfishing and competing in spearfish tournaments. Larry enjoyed being the captain of his boat and camping at Lake McConaughey, as well as following his kids' sporting events.
The Copper Mountain home was the perfect excuse to take the family snow skiing in the winter and a peaceful getaway in the summer. It was also a good escape, used to visit Black Hawk and Central City to partake in another favorite activity of battling the "1-armed bandits" and of course, to visit the casino's in Council Bluffs, too.
Larry and Patricia loved to travel together. They took many cruises, one for Lisa and Mark's wedding, through the Panama Canal, Hawaii, and others. They took a cross country road trip with family in a tightly packed minivan to Disney World, stopping in Nashville and Branson. Another favorite trip was to Pennsylvania to see Lisa graduate from War College, stopping in Hershey for chocolate and a few cases of Yuengling to bring back home. They were always taking trips across Nebraska and Kansas for birthdays, football games, rodeos, dance recitals and holidays.
He was a man of few words, he loved quietly, protected fiercely, worked hard, and played harder. Larry was a wonderful provider, loving son, brother, father, grandfather, and husband. His ornery half smile, chuckle and dry sense of humor stayed with everyone until the very end, even when his body was failing. Larry will be missed dearly by all who know him.
Survivors include his wife, Trish of North Platte, NE; two children, Lisa (Mark) Mullinax of Wamego, Kansas, and Adam (Denise) Liljestrand of Omaha, Nebraska; five grandchildren, Kyle (Kelly) Weishaar of Topeka, Kansas, Connor Liljestrand of Bertrand, Nebraska, Haley Mullinax of Wamego, Kansas, Lily Liljestrand of Omaha, Nebraska, and Alyvia Liljestrand of Omaha, Nebraska; one great grandchild, Jason Weishaar of Topeka, Kansas; and numerous other family members and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Marie Duis.
Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association, Nebraska Chapter and online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com.
Funeral services will be held at Harvest Christian Fellowship on Monday, August 24, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Jeremy Rinke officiating. Burial will follow at the Gaslin Cemetery in Brady, Nebraska. Visitation will be from noon to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2020 with family receiving friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home at 421 West 4th Street in North Platte, NE is in charge of arrangements.