Larry Strommen, 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at Benedictine Living Community, Dickinson. Per Larry’s wishes, a private family interment with Military Honors will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.

Larry was born on September 19, 1940, in New England, to Garfield and Harriett (Braaten) Strommen. He spent his childhood on the family farm, where those early years shaped the patient, humble, and dependable man he would become.

Larry pursued his passion for education, earning his bachelor’s degree and beginning what would become a lifetime of teaching others. During his time of teaching, Larry was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He served two years before being honorably discharged.

It was while teaching in Wishek, that Larry met the love of his life, Doris Raile. Together they built a marriage grounded in love, partnership, and unwavering devotion. They chose Dickinson as their forever home.

For 35 years, Larry inspired generations of students as a teacher at Dickinson High School. Retirement didn’t slow him down. Instead, he founded Larry’s Driving School, where he spent many more years teaching students young and old. Larry continued to teach driving until the age of 80—a testament to his strong work ethic.

Above all else, Larry’s greatest joy was his family. Nothing brought Larry greater happiness than being “Grandpa.” He treasured every moment with Alexis and Abby and eagerly looked forward to traveling to New Hampshire to spend time with Caspar and Brigitte. Watching his grandchildren grow was one of the greatest privileges of his life, and each grandchild held a special place in his heart.

Larry loved listening to local basketball games on the radio and remained a loyal Minnesota Vikings and ND Bison fan. He looked forward to Doris’s home-cooked meals, easy conversation, and time spent with the people he loved most. He possessed a quiet patience that put people at ease and a dry sense of humor, often accompanied by his signature giggle, that could brighten even an ordinary day. Even in his final days, when illness had taken so much, his sweet smile remained, reminding us all the gentle soul he had always been.

He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Doris Strommen of Dickinson; his children, Rhonda Liberty (Justin Hoerner) of Mandan, David Strommen of Dickinson, and Noelle (John) Fiore of Amherst, NH; his cherished grandchildren, Alexis Liberty of Mandan, Abby Liberty of Mandan, Caspar Fiore of Amherst, NH, and Brigitte Fiore of Amherst, NH; his sisters, Elaine Fritz of Rugby, and Roselyn (Kevin Berg) Strommen of Longmont, CO; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Garfield and Harriett Strommen; his brothers, Ronald Strommen and Robert Strommen; brothers-in-law, Dennis Fritz and Wayne Sailer; and his nephew, Cordell Strommen.

The measure of a life is not found in the number of years we are given, but in the love we leave behind. By that measure, Larry lived an extraordinary life.