Larry Grant Borstelman

 

Larry Grant Borstelman, 79, of Pocatello, Idaho, passed away on March 15, 2024, in Pocatello, Idaho. Born on May 2, 1944, in Salmon, Idaho, Larry was known for his strong work ethic, loyalty and dedication to his family and friends.

 

Larry grew up in Leadore, Idaho and there, from a young age, he worked on a sheep and cattle ranch, where he developed the values of hard work and perseverance that he carried throughout his life. He later honed his skills in operating heavy equipment, which eventually led him to work for various construction companies before venturing out to establish his own successful excavation business that he operated for over thirty years.

 

Described as a gentle, kind, generous, and hardworking man, Larry cherished his family and friends deeply. As a husband he was kind, caring and always looked out for his wife’s well-being. As a father, he was a true patriarch and provider. Someone whom we looked to for leadership, guidance and advice. As a friend he was that person whom you could look to and be guaranteed that you would find a listening, nonjudgmental ear and who at any opportunity, would try his hardest to bring a smile or laugh to your face.

 

Larry, just like his father, enjoyed taking photos and loved to pull out photo albums or videos to look at photos of days gone by. Each photo holding a story that he would be giddy to tell anyone who would be kind and gracious enough to listen. He loved to reminisce about his days of growing up in Leadore and the Lemhi Valley, where he would often recount, with vivid and sometimes embellished detail, how he met the love of his life, Leona, and married her before she could get away on July 5, 1962.

 

Larry also enjoyed reading about the history of the American West and then would take a roadtrip to see firsthand the areas that he had read about. Larry loved to go bowling, which became a weekly tradition in the long months of winter, for him, his son-in-law and those that could join them for a midweek game or two. In the long evenings of summer, he enjoyed games of corn toss in the yard with family and friends.    

 

Baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1967, Larry strongly believed in the promise recorded at Revelation 21:3, 4 that assures us that one day, the last enemy, death will be no more.

 

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Leona Borstelman, his children Shawna Ruiz (spouse Lance Ruiz), Cody Borstelman (spouse Leandra (Soto) Borstelman), Lance Borstelman, Dustin Borstelman (spouse Rebecca (Patterson) Borstelman), and Kevin Borstelman. Along with two granddaughters, Rylie Borstelman and Zoe Borstelman and one great granddaughter, MaggieMae Borstelman.  Larry is also survived by his brother, Clifford Borstelman and sister-in-law, Betty Smith, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 

Larry Borstelman was preceded in death by his father, Harry Borstelman, his mother, Maggie (Whittaker) Borstelman, his father-in-law Marion Beattie, and his mother-in-law Goldie (Allen) Beattie. Also, his brothers-in-law, Robert Beattie and LeRoy Beattie and sister-in-law, Karen Eisenbeis.

 

Larry’s legacy of hard work, dedication to family, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He, along with his storytelling, will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.

 

Cremation is under the direction of Hawker Funeral Home in Blackfoot, Idaho. A memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 1875 Cottage Ave., Pocatello, ID 83201 on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 3 p.m.