Larry John Alexander

Larry J. Alexander, 80 of Devils Lake formerly of Leeds ND passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND

Visitation for Larry will be on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake beginning at 10:00 a.m. with a Funeral Service at 4:00 p.m. also at the funeral home. Military Honors will be accorded following the service by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team-Marine Corps.

Born on September 19, 1943 on the family homestead in rural Leeds, ND, Larry John was the beloved son of John J. and Norma L. (Thurston) Alexander. He was delivered into this world by his grandmother who served as a midwife. Larry grew up on the farm and received his education at Leeds Public School. In 1962, he graduated from Leeds High School. He further pursued his education at Lake Region Junior College and earned an Associates of Arts Degree in May of 1964. Larry then continued his studies in accounting at UND in Grand Forks before embarking on a noble journey with the United States Marine Corps.

After being discharged, Larry returned to Leeds and began farming alongside his father. Later on, he worked at the Artclare Hotel in Devils Lake before beginning a remarkable 21-year career with the United States Postal Service. Larry served in various stations, including Dickinson and Bismarck, ND, eventually becoming the Postmaster of Milton, ND in October of 1993. He also served as Postmaster in Churchs Ferry and Wolford before retiring on June 2, 2004.

Larry found solace and contentment in Leeds for many years until he made the decision to move to Devils Lake in 2014.

In his off-time, Larry enjoyed watching Westerns, listening to baseball games and was a devoted listener of talk radio and believed in caring for the outdoors by planting many trees. He always enjoyed reading, collecting stamps and coins. In retirement he was well-known to the breakfast regulars at Mr. and Mrs. J’s.  When seeing Larry, family would ask what are you up to and his reply would always be “working pretty hard”.

Larry was a member of the Leeds Lutheran Church and after moving to Devils Lake attended St. Olaf Lutheran Church. He also belonged to the Leeds American Legion and NRA. 

Larry’s loving family who survive are his siblings Faye (Dale) Halle, Devils Lake, Kevin (friend Vicky) Alexander, Harvey ND and Norma Alexander also of Devils Lake; sister-in-law Mary Alexander; brother-in-law Rodney Bennes; nephew and nieces Heath (Annie) Alexander, Sarah Alexander, Byron Alexander, Sheila (Juan) Alanis, Veronica Alexander, Beth Alexander, Nicole (Scott) Schwab, Nathan (Mollie) Alexander, Natasha (Nicholas) Larson, Brian (Nichol) Bennes, Melinda Bennes and Melanie Bennes; many great nieces and great nephews including special great niece Emma and many dear cousins.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, brother Thomas Alexander and Sherry Bennes.