Larry Lee Gold
February 23, 1946 ~ October 6, 2022
Age 76
Larry Gold led a rich and active life. From early youth he was considered an outstanding athlete and did not disappoint. As a young man he played baseball, football, and threw discus and shot put. In 1960 he played for the Legion baseball team that went to the Little League World Series in Hersey, PA, and in 1962 he was named to the World Herald All-State Football Team. But it was during his days at Chadron High School (’64 -’68) that Larry distinguished himself as an all-state football player and track and field standout. During his high school football career, Gold, who was 6 ft. tall and 200 pounds, rushed for at least 1,900 yards, while averaging 5.3 yards a carry, and scored 252 points. He earned Class B All-State Honors as both a junior and a senior. He also played fullback in the Nebraska Shrine Bowl in the summer of 1964. His track and field exploits included setting the Class B record in the discus throw at the Nebraska State Meet, with a mark of 158 feet, 3 inches, and placing third in the shot put at 56 -3/4 as a senior. He also held the school record of 11-9 in the pole vault when he graduated. During his senior year he broke eight conference track and field records.
Larry’s football prowess continued at Chadron State College, when in ’67 he rushed 135 for 681 yards. The following year he carried 214 times for 1,126 yards and 10 touchdowns, resulting in the Eagles 8-1 record, their first winning season in 9 years. He also played linebacker part-time and received First Team and Honorable Mention All-American Honors. He was inducted into the Chadron State College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1985 after becoming the Eagles’ first 1,000-yard rusher.
In addition, Larry was a proud U.S. Army Vietnam veteran (’69-’71) and received the Joint Service Commendation Medal. Larry served the Bellevue Public School community as a business teacher and guidance counselor, retiring in May 2001 after 34 years. Young people truly had a friend in Mr. Gold. He often frustrated administrators and colleges for going against the rules to help non-traditional students stay in school.
Larry was deeply involved in a host of worthy organizations, often holding leadership positions. He was a faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Bellevue, since ’69 and served on the boards of St. Mary Parish Council, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Knights of Columbus Council 6192, Bellevue Senior Center, Bellevue Crime Stoppers, Bellevue Optimist Club, Bellevue Education Association, Chadron State College Alumni Foundation, and Fox Run Landing Villa HOA.
Larry enjoyed having a good time with friends and family, especially with his wife Susan, also from Chadron. Over the past 30 years, Larry became a talented and gifted wood carver, specializing in Native America, Western figures, Santas, and golfers. In addition, he had a soft heart and gentle spirit and was always ready to help others less fortunate, especially willing to give a five to the homeless standing on the street corner.
Larry was a gentle, loving spirit, who over a lifetime of service helped so many and brought smiles to their faces.
He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Vergie Gold; brother Bud Brooner; sisters Erma Lewellen, Verna Lecher, Eloise Downey and Barbara Hollrah; three nephews.
Survived by his wife of 56 years Susan; daughter Carla Leuck (Rob); grandchildren Beau and Ivy Leuck; sisters Betty Staal and Linda Strauss (Charles); sisters-in-law Janice Magruder and Virginia Sides; brothers-in-law Steven Lecher (Diane), Curtis Lecher (Mary), and Roger Hollrah; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Reception of Friends: Sunday, October 9, 1:30-3:00 p.m. with Vigil Service at 3:00 p.m., both at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 2302 Crawford Street, Bellevue.
To view video of the Vigil Service, click the link below.
https://boxcast.tv/view/larry-lee-gold-kuwhpmxjmijypr2jtz7v
Memorial Mass: Monday, October 10, 10:30 a.m., St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
To view video of the Mass, click the link below.
https://boxcast.tv/view/larry-lee-gold-np58m3apigivjcqzpyuo
Inurnment: Wednesday, October 12, 9:00 a.m., Omaha National Cemetery
Military Honors: U. S. Army National Guard Honor Guard & American Legion Post 374
Memorials suggested to St. Mary’s Church, Knights of Columbus Council 6192, or St. Mary’s St. Vincent DePaul Society.
15 Comments
Thank you for your military service and especially for the many years given to Bellevue Public Schools!! My sincere sympathies to Larry’s family!!
Mrs. Gold and family,
I was crushed last night when my mom called me and told me about Mr. Gold’s passing. I have many fond memories of Mr. Gold. He was my counselor in high school as well as the first person to show me how to change the brakes on my Monte Carlo. He will be missed, I sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Larry was such a great friend. So many fun and happy times together. We will miss him. We will be keeping the family with us as we watch the video of his service.
So sorry for your incredible loss, Mrs. Gold and family. I remember being shown Mr. Gold’s beautiful wood carvings in elementary school. Thinking of you all.
My heart breaks for Susan, Carla, Rob and the grandkids. Larry was such a fun guy, talented artist, and genuine good man. I remember the great times we had when he and Susan spent summers at Angostura. I cherish the wood carvings from him that I display in my home. My prayers are with Susan and family.
The “Best” friend I have ever had. I will miss him for the rest of my life!
Susie&Carla , so sorry for your loss . Larry was an incredible man !!! I always enjoyed visiting with him. He was a guy you could look up to. He will be missed by me and Lynn, the Ohern family and many others. I can’t believe it seemed like yesterday he was digging a hole in your living room. Lol.Take comfort he most assuredly is with the the lord. And in a very special place in heaven. Love to you and yours. Thanks for letting us be part of his and your life.
We had many fun times with Larry & his family on their many visits to Nevada in the last 42 years; he will be missed! We will be present in his service as we watch; you have been in our thoughts & prayers.
Larry was fun, kind and a great neighbor who we were blessed to call our friend. We are so sorry – this is a big loss. Larry loved his family and was such a proud dad and grandpa!
Larry will live in my memory as one of the funniest big hearted guys to bless the BPSchools and teacher social groups. His infectious smile and laugh were so up-lifting to me both as a teen and an adult. So sorry for your loss…Hugs for healing! Gail and Brad
I am very saddened to hear of the loss of your precious loved one Larry, Susan and family. Please know that you/yours are uppermost in my heart, thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Larry will be sorely missed by all of us who knew him. He was a great athlete during our high school years at CHS and was always friendly and had a kind word or two when visiting with you one-on-one. He was a blessing to all of us who had the privilege of knowing him Peace and blessings to you and yours. Ruthie VanNatter Cottier.
So sorry for your loss. I had Larry as a teacher at Bellevue High School. He showed slides of his army days for our final! I was blessed to get reunited with him through our St. Vincent de Paul work. We will pray a rosary for Larry and your family.
I met coach Gold as a senior at Bellevue West. His unique way with students and athletes had a profound effect on me and my life, including my joining the Air Force and the eventual staring of my business. He was much loved and will be remembered fondly as a wonderful man a great mentor and a good man.
So sorry to hear about Larry. I remember Larry and Jerry hosting the Christmas party (teachers) at Bellevue West.Always fun. Larry Larry and Lloyd taking food tothe homeless. We have a beautiful wood carving. Our prayers to you Susan, Carla, Rob and family
As a child, Larry always struck me as an almost mythical character. His athletic prowess was immense among the Chadron community. He was always very good to me. Kind, generous, and gentle, in spite of his dominating (from a small kid’s view) stature. Very proud to have been fortunate enough to have him in my life. My sons have a carving he had given my father years ago; again, very fortunate. RIP Uncle Larry- you are loved.
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