Larry Czeczok

Larry Czeczok, 72, of Lincoln, ND, peacefully entered eternal rest on Friday, October 16, 2026, with his family by his side. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 23, at Spirit of Life Catholic Church, Mandan, ND. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 22, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Bismarck Funeral Home with a Rosary & Vigil Service at 7:00 PM. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Larry was born on June 23, 1954, to Herb and Christine (Hartze) Czeczok. He was raised on the family farm south of Lincoln, ND where they farmed and raised sheep and cattle. Larry was involved in 4H as a child and eventually became a 4H instructor, teaching kids about sheep and farm life. He attended St. Mary’s High School, graduating in 1972. After high school, Larry attended the North Dakota State School of Science. He later earned his welding certificate, a skill that served him well throughout his life. Larry returned to Lincoln and operated the family farm until it was sold in the early 1980s.

Larry met the love of his life, Karen (Zarr), in the summer of 1983 when he asked her to dance. From that day forward, they were inseparable. They married in 1985, and Larry became an instant stepfather to three children: Shawn, Jason, and Brenda. Larry wanted nothing more than to be a family man, and he embraced his new role with open arms and the pride only a new dad can have. Larry and Karen later welcomed their son Chad who completed their family.

In 1986, Larry and Karen moved to Kansas City, MO, where Larry worked in construction on many downtown Kansas City buildings. In 1989, an opportunity brought the family to a small town in Kansas. Larry was hired to manage a beautiful, large ranch in the Flint Hills owned by a Kansas City physician. The ranch was home to more than 800 sheep, along with cattle and goats. Kansas quickly became home, bringing cherished friendships and a small-town community that welcomed the family as its own. In 1992, Larry and Karen decided it was time to return to North Dakota to be closer to family. They settled in St. Anthony, where Larry worked for Schaff Angus Ranch. Larry thought the world of Joe and Ruby Schaff and learned many new and innovative ways to work with cattle during his time there. After a few years of ranch life, Larry and Karen moved to Lincoln, ND and Larry returned to construction, joining Northwest Contracting, where he remained until his retirement.

To know Larry was to love him—he had a big personality, a playful spirit, and a way of making sure you never forgot him —all part of the personality that made him unforgettable. He looked forward to his annual hunting trips with family and friends, where jokes, laughter, and a splash of Black Velvet were always on the weekend’s agenda. Those trips made for some of the best memories.

Larry was also known for his love of Walker, Texas Ranger. In keeping with his sense of humor, his family likes to think he simply couldn’t let Chuck Norris have all the fun in heaven without him.

He enjoyed camping, grilling, dancing, and making the most of every day. Larry showed those around him what it meant to live life to the fullest. Above all, he fiercely loved his family. He took joy in watching his grandchildren participate in their activities, and they adored their grandpa.

Who could have imagined that asking one woman to dance more than 40 years ago would lead to a life filled with four children, twelve grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren—and counting. He would tell you it was the best decision he ever made.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Karen (Zarr) Czeczok,; his four children and their spouses, Shawn and Stephanie (Schmidt) Mittlestadt, Jason and Linda (Skogen) Mittlestadt, Brenda (Mittlestadt) and Martin Wray, and Chad and Laci (Ferderer) Czeczok; and his brother, Alfred (Elaine) Czeczok; twelve grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Christine Czeczok; his brother, Robert Czeczok; and his sisters, Loretta Movchan and Renee Freuer.

Larry will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.