Larry M. Bogard

Larry Martin Bogard, 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, at his home in Ft. Collins, Colorado. Larry was born on January 21st, 1943, to Josephine Bogard (Dahl) and Leonard Bogard in Palestine, Illinois, where he was raised and lived until he graduated high school. A star athlete in both football, basketball and baseball, he attended Palestine High, graduating in 1961. He went on to attend both the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University, before enlisting in the United States Airforce in 1965. Stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany for the majority of his 4-year enlistment, he traveled extensively throughout Europe and developed a real passion for music; his house was always filled with the songs from his extensive collection. Larry made many of his lifelong friends during this time, and met his wife of 56 years, Linda Bogard (Deaver). It was love at first sight, Larry and Linda got engaged 17 days after they first met and were married several months later.

Upon his return stateside, Larry began working for the Rio Grande railroad, following in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather, as a 3rd generation Rail. He worked in coal freight for many years, until eventually transferring to passenger trains, where he finished out the last 15 years of his career as a Conductor for Amtrak. His career facilitated both his love of travel and the outdoors. His whole life, Larry was an avid outdoorsman, he loved fishing and hunting and in his later years, working in his garden. During his retirement, he enrolled at Colorado State University and completed a series of classes and earned his "Colorado Master Gardener" designation, of which he was quite proud.

His family often joked he was the "MacGyver" of the family, he was very handy and loved to tinker in his garage. He maintained the family vehicles, built and refurbished furniture, installed skylights, built multi-story wrap-around decks, and of course handled all the "honey do" list projects!

Larry was well loved by his family and friends and will be sorely missed. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda, his beloved children, Lorin and Jeff and his cherished grandson, Camden. Last, but not least, his faithful pooch, Abbey, whom he spoiled rotten!

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, June 22, 2024, 11:00am at Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Fort Collins CO. A reception will follow at Best Western University Inn, 914 S. College Ave., Fort Collins CO 80524.