Lawrence Peder Hart, 81, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2024. He was visited and comforted by family, friends, and hospice staff in Deer Lodge, MT. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and cherished friend to many. He leaves behind a zest for life that will be deeply missed and made easier knowing he is at home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Larry was born along with his twin brother, Clarence, on May 21, 1942 to O’telie Sveum. He grew up with his brother and younger sister Helen in Cut Bank, Montana. From an early age, he had an innate understanding and talent for working with all things mechanical. His love for cars, motorcycles, and snowmobiles was more than a hobby; it was a lifelong passion that shaped his adventures and relationships. Larry will be remembered for the twinkle in his eye when talking about his latest project as well as his willingness to lend a hand and share his knowledge with others.
His enthusiasm for auto mechanics translated into a long and distinguished career in teaching at Montana State Prison where he impacted the lives of innumerable inmates. Larry further expressed commitment to his community by serving on the Deer Lodge Volunteer Fire Department, where he was also known to tinker on a fire truck or two.
His journey through life was enriched by the love and companionship of his dear wife, Loy, who preceded him in death. He was also reunited in the afterlife with his parents and sister, Helen. He is survived by his daughter, Heather (Bill), of Columbus, Ohio, and Loy’s children, Wendy Woolstenhulme and Wade Berkram. Among Larry’s greatest joys were his cherished grandchildren, Hannah (Justin) Dykes and Jack Lansky, who brought immeasurable happiness and pride to his life. His brother, Clarence (Faye) of Sweetgrass, Montana, along with his beloved niece, Michelle, fondly remember him, as do the wide circle of relatives and friends whose lives he touched.
“Larry’s Last Ride” motorcade in his honor will kick off from the Old Montana Prison parking lot at 2:00pm on Thursday, July 25, and travel down Main Street in Deer Lodge. The motorcade will be followed by a 3:30pm celebration of life at the Elks Club in Deer Lodge. We invite all who knew him through his various car clubs and activities to participate in the motorcade/mini-car show. We can think of no better way to honor his memory than showing appreciation for the cars he loved and sharing stories of the remarkable man he was.
Funeral service and reception will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Cut Bank, on Saturday July 27 at 11:00am. A private burial ceremony will follow.
If you plan to attend any of the events in Larry’s honor, please assist the family by submitting an RSVP to https://redcap.link/larryhart
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Deer Lodge Firemen’s Relief Fund or to Young Life (http://oh181.younglife.support/crowd/northeast-columbus-camp-trip-2024). Young Life is an organization that Larry’s granddaughter Hannah is involved with and that he had strong support for.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Larry.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Larry and his family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
3:30
Thursday July 25, 2024
Deer Lodge Elks Club
2030 Main St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday July 27, 2024
St. Paul Lutheran Church
129 2nd Ave. SE
Cutbank, Montana 59427
Social Gathering
2:00 p.m.
Thursday July 25, 2024
Old Montana Prison
1106 Main St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
3:30
Thursday July 25, 2024
Deer Lodge Elks Club
2030 Main St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday July 27, 2024
St. Paul Lutheran Church
129 2nd Ave. SE
Cutbank, Montana 59427
Social Gathering
2:00 p.m.
Thursday July 25, 2024
Old Montana Prison
1106 Main St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
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Susan & Rich Proul says
To Larry’s family.. we are so sorry to hear of his passing. Many memories of car shows and trips with him and Loy. May you find comfort in all your memories as well. May he rest in eternal peace
Marvin Dye says
So sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. Larry and I shared many great times together over the last 65 years sharing our love of cars. May he rest in peace.
Gay Beck Copenhaver says
I just read where Larry had passed. Loy and Larry were street rodding friends for many years!
Enjoyed them very much! They lived down the street from my Dear Gramma. So when I went
to visit her, I got the opportunity to visit Loy and Larry.
Loy and I found out through our visits that we had both gone to First Grade in Cut Bank together!
And we remembered each other! Happy times!
They were a delightful two-some!
I am sorry to hear of their passing. God be with you and yours!