Lawrence "Larry" Garfield, Sr.

Nazhi Súda (Stands Strong)

Father, son, grandfather, nephew, and uncle, Lawrence “Larry” James Garfield Sr. was born on February 20, 1945, in Williston, North Dakota, and passed away on the morning of February 23rd, 2026, at 8:45 a.m in Wolf Point, Montana. He was the fourth of twelve children of Daniel A. and Agnes (Moran) Garfield. He attended Immaculate Conception Grade School, public school, and later Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota, where he was a standout athlete, lettering in every sport he participated in, including basketball, track, football, and shooting sports. He graduated in 1964.

In 1965, Larry joined the U.S. Army, serving a tour in Vietnam before being stationed at Fort Knox in Kentucky. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Shenna Lou Richards. The couple married on April 6, 1968, at St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Louisville, Kentucky.

After their marriage, Larry and Shenna moved to Wolf Point, Montana, where they began their family, welcoming daughter Gwen and son Lawrence James Jr. They became dedicated members of Immaculate Conception Parish, where their children were baptized, received First Communion and Confirmation, and attended CCD classes. Shenna later joined the Catholic faith under the guidance of Fr. Michael Guinan.

In 1970, the family moved to Kentucky for a few years, where Larry worked for Hillerich & Bradsby, the manufacturer of Louisville Slugger baseball bats. When the company relocated its factory to Indiana, the family returned to Montana in 1974.

When he moved back to Wolf Point, Larry started his career and devoted thirty-one years of service to the BIA Road Department before retiring in 1998.

Larry became a proud grandfather in 1999 with the birth of Shayen Don and again in 2002 with the birth of Carly Rae. He and Shenna spent many years—and drove many miles—supporting Shay and Carly in all of their activities. In 2016, Larry welcomed two more grandchildren, Brylee Rain and Bentley Eric, and continued to be a devoted and loving grandfather.

Larry was also deeply committed to supporting all of his nieces and nephews, attending their basketball games and always proudly bragging about them—and his grandchildren—to anyone who would listen.

Larry was an avid hunter and fisherman and spent much of his life taking family members—and the many friends who became like family—on hunting and fishing excursions. He had countless stories to share and, in true Garfield fashion, everyone knew just how big the fish or the bucks were, even if they may have been an inch or two smaller in reality. Even when he could no longer hunt or fish, he still enjoyed going for rides to look for big bucks or heading out on the boat with his son, grandchildren, brothers, and nephews.

Larry found great joy in visiting family, especially trips to Malta to follow his grandchildren’s events. His daughter Gwen lives in Malta, Montana, and works in Dodson as a special education teacher. His son Lawrence “Jim” Jr. resides in Wolf Point and works for the State Highway Department after serving twenty-four years in the National Guard, including six years of active duty.

Over the years, Larry formed friendships with people from all walks of life, creating a wide circle of friends scattered across the United States.

Larry’s life was defined by devotion to family, faith, and the simple joys of being outdoors. His legacy lives on in the many people he encouraged, loved, and inspired throughout his life.

Lawrence Garfield Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Agnes Garfield; his brothers Daniel “Cowboy,” Alvin “Chuck,” and Doug; his sister Joan Small; and several other beloved family members. He was also preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Jessie Richards, and father-in-law, Woodrow “Woody” Richards.

He is survived by his children, Jim Garfield and Gwen Garfield; his daughter-in-law, Yvonne Garfield; and his cherished grandchildren, Shayen (Kelin) King, Carly Garfield, Brylee LaFountain, and Bentley LaFountain. He is also survived by his siblings, Cleo Shumway, Cecelia Peters, Vance Garfield, Leon (Ruth) Garfield, Nancy Nordwick, Marshelle Lambert, and Desiree Garfield, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

If anyone has been unintentionally omitted, we extend our heartfelt apologies. Larry loved each of you dearly.