Larry Eugene Stotz

May 25, 1943 - March 7, 2025

It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of Larry Eugene Stotz, beloved father, grandfather, husband, and friend. At the age of 81, Larry passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025, at 6:00 AM with the love of his life, Ruth Rogge, by his side.

Born in Tolstoy, South Dakota, to Theodore and Ferrill Stotz, Larry was the younger brother of Carolyn Stotz Devitt Kiesz. From the start, Larry had a knack for bringing joy to those around him—his humor was sharp, his teasing affectionate, and his presence lit up every room.

Larry graduated from Redfield High School and went on to become a skilled mechanic. He first opened T&L Automotive in Lincoln, Nebraska, alongside his father, before eventually starting his own shop, Larry’s Garage. In his free time, he was a regular at the local bowling alley for lunch and spent many evenings with friends at Cheerleaders bar. It was here in Lincoln that he and Linda (Blount), co-parented their two wonderful sons, Kirk and Kevin.

As his boys grew up and started their own lives, Larry continued working, traveling, and riding his Harley in Nebraska—until the moment he became a grandfather. With the arrival of his first granddaughter, Natalie, Larry packed up and moved to Colorado in 2000, settling in Thornton. He worked as a Low-Voltage Installer at CTS. Over the years, Larry was blessed with a second granddaughter, Emily, as well as two bonus granddaughters, Anna & Taisia, when Kevin and Marina married.

Larry was, without a doubt, the ultimate “girl’s-grandfather.” He adored his granddaughters and embraced his role as “Papa” wholeheartedly. Whether it was snacking on popcorn, spending summer days at the lake, savoring Nancy’s potato salad, jamming out to Willie Nelson & Hank Williams Jr., or simply sharing in whatever brought his granddaughters joy — from tea parties to bicycle rides — Larry was all in. He was effortlessly cool, rocking his biker ponytail, cowboy boots, Harley shirts, and signature shades.

After years of being the fun-loving, devoted Papa, Larry decided to give love another shot. It was meant to be that he found his perfect match, Ruth Rogge, in 2007. From the moment they met, Ruth brought adventure, love, and laughter into Larry’s life. Together, they traveled, built beautiful memories, and blended their growing families. Eventually, they moved to Austin, Texas, where they spent their days singing, dancing, and enjoying retired life with friends.

In later years, Larry faced health challenges after suffering strokes that affected his ability to speak and use his right hand. Despite these difficulties, he never lost his spirit. He found new ways to communicate and continued to share his infectious smile.

In 2023, Larry and Ruth returned to Colorado (Windsor) to be closer to family.

Larry’s passing leaves a void, but his family takes comfort in knowing he is now free from the limitations that held him back.

He is survived by his sons:

~ Kirk Stotz (Nancy Stotz) of Brighton, CO

~ Kevin Stotz (Marina Stotz) of Santa Barbara, CA

His granddaughters:

~ Natalie Stotz (Ethan Gabriles)

~ Emily Stotz

~ Anastasia Peacock (Jeff Peacock; Great Grandsons - Sasha & Ilya)

~ Taisia Sturza

His beloved wife:

~ Ruth Rogge

~ Her daughters, and grandchildren: Janelle Collins (Dakota, Kaleb, & Faith) and Justeen Casias (Carmen & Courtney)

He will be dearly missed but forever remembered for his warmth, humor, and unwavering love.

In honor of Larry’s memory, the family invites friends and loved ones to share their favorite stories, laughter, and perhaps a ride in his honor—Harley gear encouraged. And when you do, be sure to raise a glass, share a toast, and celebrate the incredible man he is.

At Larry’s request, the family plans to spread his ashes at Sylvan Lake, located in his favorite place—the Black Hills of South Dakota.

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