Larry R. Niezgodzki

CORVALLIS - Larry Niezgodzki slipped away peacefully early June 7, 2012.

Lawrence Raymond Niezgodzki was born on November 17, 1947 in Inglewood, California, the first born son to Louis and Margaret Niezgodzki. He graduated from Gardena High School and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Larry proudly served as a radioman on the U.S.S. Ticonderoga, completing three tours in Vietnam. .

While stationed in Bremerton, he met and fell in love with Linda Rummel. Their love affair lasted for over 43 years, and will continue on in Linda's heart. Linda and Larry married on October 19, 1968, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Hamilton, Montana. They moved to California where Larry completed his Navy tour.

Larry and Linda were blessed with three children: Michael, Michelle and Matthew. The family made many great memories camping and dirt biking in the California desert. Larry was active in youth activities and mentored many young people. He enjoyed the Boy Scouts: Larry was a Scout as a boy, a Scoutmaster for many years, and most recently was a liaison.

Larry worked with his father in the plumbing business, and then joined the Los Angeles Police Department. He later returned to plumbing, and ran a successful plumbing contracting business.

In 2003 Larry and Linda moved to the Bitterroot Valley where Linda grew up. He ran Larry's Plumbing up until the time of his death. Larry loved Montana and called it home.

He was active in the American Legion Post 91, a 4th degree Knight in Fr. Ravalli Council 6130 of the Knights of Columbus, and St. Francis Catholic Church. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, lifetime member of the VFW and an avid square dancer while in California. He spent many hours selling 50-50 tickets at the Knight fish fries and would often dress in costume! Larry loved to travel, go to the movies and spend time with people. He enjoyed a good game of cards and cribbage; on his last morning he even beat Linda and his mother-in-law in a game of crib!

Larry had a very strong faith and felt his mission was to serve others. He always had a kind word, a strong shoulder, or a smile for others. Every day was a good day for Larry, and he loved to laugh. Even more, he loved to make others laugh.

Larry was preceded in death by his son, Matt Niezgodzki, his father, Louis Niezgodzki, and his father-in-law, Clyde Rummel. His is survived by his wife, Linda Niezgodzki; his son, Michael and wife Kim Niezgodzki and their children Kameron and Makaila; daughter Michelle and husband Vicente Zuniga, and their children Alyssa, Hailey and Vicente III, his mother and step-father, Bob and Marge Johnson, brothers Dan (Linda) Niezgodzki, and Rick (Linda) Niezgodzki. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Verda Rummel, brothers-in-law Pete (Donna) Rummel and Carl (Annette) Rummel, and sister-in-law Julie Rummel. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Knights of Columbus, or the charity of the donor's choice.

A golden heart stopped beating His gentle hands at rest
God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best!