Great Falls — Larry Gene Zbinden, 65, a retired electrician and United States Navy veteran, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at Peace Hospice from cancer.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 10:30 am at First Congregational UCC. O'Connor Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Larry was born September 10, 1948 in Great Falls. He was raised and educated in the area graduating from CMR in 1966. In 1967 he joined the United States Navy, where he attended electronic training for a year and a half. In 1970 he was united in marriage to Nancy V. LaCroix. He went on to serve in Guam and was honorably discharged in 1973. He was a union electrician and served his four year apprenticeship in Great Falls. He continued his career in Great Falls, retiring in 2004.

He was a proud member of the Electrical Union 122, 233, and IBEW and at one time was the president and served on the executive board. Larry had a passion for history, especially anything to do with Custer. He also was a volunteer docent at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, where he was able to share his knowledge of Lewis and Clark with visitors. As his sons were growing up, he also became active in the Boy Scouts of America.

Larry enjoyed hunting, fishing, and reading about Custer. Above all else, he loved when the children and grandchildren were all together at the same time. To the bitter end, he swore he was leaving to early.

Larry is survived by his wife, Nancy Zbinden of Great Falls; mother Delores Myers of Great Falls; sons Larry J. (Yevette) Zbinden of Great Falls and Richard D. (Mandi) Zbinden of Sun River; sister Diana Zbinden of Deer Lodge; brother Ron (Diana) Zbinden of Helena; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Zbinden; step-mother Donna Zbinden; and step-father Charles Myers.

Donations can be made to the or Peace Hospice of Montana.

Condolence may be left online at www.oconnorfuneralhome.com.
  Published in Great Falls Tribune on Feb. 13, 2014