Lawrence “Larry” Jangula, Sr.

Lawrence "Larry" Jangula, Sr. 82 of Billings, died on August 28, 2006 at St. Vincent Healthcare. The son of Frank an Regina Jangula, Larry was born January 30, 1924 in Linton, ND. He was one of twelve children. Larry graduated high school, June 4, 1942 and entered the Navy, June 9, 1942. He fought in both the European and Pacific Theaters, and was around the world twice, passing through the Panama Canal twice and stopping in such places as Hawaii, India, Tasmania and Russia. In the service 4 & ½ years, Larry served 46 months over seas. He finished the war in Okinawa and Iwo Jima, serving on a mine sweeper. In 1946 he was shipped to Texas where they de-commissioned the ship. After being honorably discharged from the service, December 9, 1946, he moved to Billings and married Shirley Ommundson, from Big Timber on November 29, 1947.

Larry worked various jobs, appliance repair, city engineers, truck driver for Barry O'Leary, and Yellowstone Electric. Starting January 4, 1950, Larry worked 34 years for Conoco and was a life member of the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers Union. He retired in 1984.

He built his own homes in Billings and did all the mechanic work on his vehicles. A devout Catholic, Larry was a member of St. Patrick's since 1947, where he had ushered since the 1950’s. He was a member of the American Legion and a honorary life member, 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus and a member of the 4th degree Knights of Columbus. An avid bowler, he started league bowling in 1952. Larry had been secretary/treasurer for the Valley League for 26 years. He was a member of the Montana State Bowlers Hall of Fame, Billings Bowlers Hall of Fame, and the YABA Hall of Fame for his work with coaching junior bowlers. He had served as president of the Billings Bowling Association and two different Square Dance Clubs. Larry was a life member of the "59er's" square dance club and a charter member of the challengers square dance club. He and Shirley danced 37 years together, having danced in the US, Canada, and Norway. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and travel. He had relatives and friends all over the world. Larry had given to various charities throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley; a son, Larry, Jr., mother and father; four brothers; six sisters, and several nieces and nephews.

Survivors include three children, Paul Jangula of Billings, Peggy L. Jangula of Billings, and Julie Bordelon of Evansville, Indiana; sister, Elsie Huber of Casper, WY, and four grandchildren.

Vigil services will be at 7:00 P.M., on Thursday, Aug. 31 at St. Patrick's Co-Cathedral. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 A.M., on Friday, at St. Patrick's. Rite of Committal with military honors will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Billings Ronald McDonald House or Big Sky Hospice.