Larry Dean Pinkelman, age 83, of Stansbury Park, Utah, died Saturday evening, Nov. 5, 2022, surrounded by his family at his home. Born May 19, 1939, in Wynot, Nebraska, he was the son of the late Bruno Pinkelman and Elizabeth “Lizbet” (Backman) Pinkelman. He was the youngest of 10 children born to Bruno and Lizbet.
He served in the U.S. military. While stationed in Los Angeles, California, he met his beautiful bride and devoted wife of 61 years, Nancy Karen (Charles) Pinkelman. They married Sept. 2, 1961, in Granada Hills, California. They ultimately had five children together; daughters Carol, Nan, Natalie, and Carrie; and son Bob. Larry is survived by his loving wife Karen; daughters Carol, Nan, Natalie; son Bob; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Larry began a very active and long carrier as a fire fighter in the Sante Fe Springs, California, fire department. He went on many calls and saved numerous lives. Often his work bled into his personal life, where he seemed to be available 24/7 to help those in need, even saving his own daughter Natalie. Apart from his work in the department, Larry enjoyed hunting, riding dirt bikes in the California desert, and fishing with his children whenever he had time. Family road trips were essential. Each year they would take a month and drive around the United States, often following historical roads and pioneer trails. An avid historian, he often narrated the road trips, stopping at every historical marker and sensationally talking with whoever would listen. He and his wife had visited every state in the United States. Every five years the family would pack up and head east to his hometown of Wynot, Nebraska, to visit relatives and attend his high school reunion. He was on the basketball team at Wynot High School and was one of seven students in the graduating class of 1957.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at the Latter-day Saint church, 323 E. Erda Way, Erda, Utah. The burial will follow soon after at Stansbury Park Cemetery.