"Good Trails to you my ole friend. You painted for me the Hunter and Traveling Bison cross tracks. These were originals you were commissioned by me, I loved them dearly. I miss our ole visits and miss your caring soul, amigo Vee M"
In loving memory of
Larry Greenwalt
August 6, 2007
Larry W. Greenwalt, painter and sculptor, age 69, died of a heart attack at his home in Rio Rancho, NM on Monday, August 6, 2007.
Larry began and ended his career as a painter. He was best known for his rural American art and later gained recognition as an accomplished Southwestern and Western artist and sculptor. He was a two-time winner in the Northwestern Bell Calendar Competition in 1973-74 and received national recognition in December 1976 as the 1st place winner in the Saturday Evening Post cover contest with his rendition of "The Grande Ole Buggy."
Larry's love of art and adventure prompted him to travel throughout the United States. During his travels, he conducted one-man shows, judged art work, held workshops, and lectured at art clubs and civic organizations.
Larry was born May 11, 1938 in Shenandoah, IA to the late Howard and Cecile Greenwalt. He attended Shenandoah area schools and graduated from Shenandoah Community High School in 1957. On July 24, 1960, he was united in marriage to Sandra (Sandy) Hoover in Shenandoah, IA. Larry and Sandy raised two children, Todd and Melinda (Mindy).
Following graduation, Larry completed the Norman Rockwell Famous Artist School and was employed as a commercial artist at Brown's Shoe Fit Co. in Shenandoah, IA. He also painted and maintained a gallery in his home. It was during this time that Larry decided to branch out and explore new regions of the United States. In 1988, Larry and Sandy moved to Rio Rancho, NM where Larry continued to work as a commercial artist for Premier Distributing Co. in Albuquerque, NM. He also opened an art gallery in Old Town Albuquerque.
In addition to being a well known artist, Larry was an avid car enthusiast. He loved caring for his yellow '57 Chevy, aptly named "Buttercup." Larry was an active member of the Rio Rancho West Side Cruisers. On Thursday evenings, Larry would meet with club members at the local Sonic Drive In and reminisce about car shows and one of Larry's favorite topics, his red '56 Chevy convertible he owned in high school.
Larry is survived by his wife, Sandra; his son, Todd Greenwalt, wife, Donna and three sons, Steven, Adam, and Nathan all of Shenandoah, IA and his daughter, Melinda Merkel and three children, Melissa, Christine, and Brian all of Rio Rancho, NM. He is also survived by his brother, Harley Greenwalt and sister, Margaret Kling both of Shenandoah, IA. Larry is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends from around the United States.
In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by two brothers, Miller (Bub) Greenwalt, Harold (Bill) Greenwalt, sister, Mildred (Sis) Spies and granddaughter, Lynn Marcelle Greenwalt (daughter of Todd and Donna Greenwalt).
A celebration of life funeral service was held on Tuesday, August 14, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah. Words of comfort were given by Rev. Rick Sleyster and Lloyd Keeton gave the eulogy. Jennifer Keeton composed and read a special poem, "The End Of The Dusty Trail". Caring for the flowers was Dixie Ulch. Attending the memory register was Donna Money. Musical selections were "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole, "I Did It My Way" by Elvis and "Happy Trails" by Gene Autry. Honorary casket bearers were all of Larry's niece's and nephews, the Shenandoah High School Class of 1957 and Gary Lewis. Casket bearers were Steven Greenwalt, Adam Greenwalt, Nathan Greenwalt, Brian Merkel, Jerry Spies, Alan Armstrong and Bill Hillman. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"At Brown's Shoe Fit Co. Creston Iowa, we had a promotion "Art Week, Old Iowa Nostalgia" featuring Larry and displayed his paintings all around the store for a week and had a drawing for a free painting. Larry was there for a day in his safari jacket and cowboy hat. (As I remember some 45 plus years ago) I was a new Brown's trainee (now retired from Brown's, 1968-2007) and Larry was a delight to get to know. A song, Vincent by Don McClean, was popular and Larry pointed out to me it was about Vincent Van Gogh. It was special to him and has been to me ever since. I'm 71 now and just heard the song on my computer and googled Larry's name. Gone but not forgotten. "
"I only met Larry once but was brought to the studio he had in his home in Shenandoah by the local Northwestern Bell manager. I also worked for Northwestern Bell. I never forgot Larry because he painted a tiny picture in a locket for me and was such a very nice man. I happened to reconnect yesterday with someone from Red Oak, thought of Larry and am so sorry to hear of his passing."
"I believe i am your sister. Would like to contact you if possible. my name is Michele Vanness Kuntz, my phone no is 816-347-9336. I live in Kansas City. Please call me if you get this. Am extremely sorry about your husband, he sounded like quite an interesting person."
"So sorry to hear about Larry, he was a good man.My thoughts are with you. John Waters"
"My condolences to the family, especially Dennis - a friend from long ago. I enjoyed Larry's art immensely and have some in my home"
"I always admired Larry for his talent and just for being Larry. One of my favorite memories is one time while I was at KMA I made a slip of the tongue and instead of saying Easter Bunny said Easter Pig. It wasnâ??t ten minutes until there was a knock on the studio door and it was Larry with a drawing of the Easter Pig on a napkin. He had been having coffee with some of his friends and the radio was playing in the background. He always had a smile on his face and a laugh in his heart. The world is a richer place because of Larry and he will be missed by many. "
"Sandy and family, I worked with Larry l00 years ago when he was at Brown Shoe Fit - we had lots of laughs! He made working there so fun! I still have a portrait and our barn picture he painted - I will cherish both forever! My heart is very sad for your family and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I was planning to come down tonight for the visitation but I am teaching at Papillion La Vista in Omaha and we have open house tonight. It's our first day back, so I really can't take off. Larry was a very special individual who valued his family and friends - I've thought of him often throughout the years and hated it when Deb and Lloyd gave me the news. Luckily memories last forever - I am truly sorry! Barb Padilla (Smith)"
"Todd, Donna, Steve, Adam & Nathan, Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your family! Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Sincerely, The Hadden's Brian, Dawn, Chase & Tucker "
"Our sincere condolences to the family and relatives of Larry (The Guy) Greenwalt. Larry was a very talented fellow. being witty, loved to laugh and had a talent for Art. He will surely be missed by all. we send hugs and thoughts to the family. david m. croy"
"My condolences to all of Larry's family. His artist talent was unparallelled. When he gave art classes at his home studio, my mother, Doris Jean Brink, was a student and she enjoyed the course very much while learning the techniques. My family owns a few "Greenwalts"--including one of the old "horse water fountain" on Railroad St. in Shenandoah, from about 1970, titled "The Ole Iron Mike" which is my favorite. Please know that my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. "
"Sandi, Our sympathy and prayers to you and all your family. Lee saw the article in the Omaha paper and weboth found it hard to believe. I don't know if Lee will be able to come to the funeral or not. I will be away for the week---going to south Bend,IN to baby sit the twin grandboys. I will be sending a note later and hope we will talk sometime in the future. Again, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Jo Ann and Lee Poeppe"
"Gayle and I would just like to let you all know that we are very sorry for your loss. We pray that the LORD will give you comfort and peace through this time of grieving. You're in our prayers. "
"to my brother, west thomas ave., vickie, johnnie, ralph, phil, merrill, jim, --it was the best of times. love ya, jerry"
"Our thoughts & prayers to all of the Greenwalt families. Having moved to Pella in 2002, we don't get much Shenandoah news but did receive notice about Larry. We extend our condolences to each of you. Larry & Gayle Bird"
"Dear Sandy and family, I was so sorry to see of Larry's passing. Thru the years, I have thought of him often. How talented he was!!! When we ate dinner at The Redwoods in Anita area and saw his paintings, I was proud to say that I was a shirt tale relative, and knew him. We found an original at the Roy Stocksill home recently while I helped Jill clean out the house. She is my daughter-in-law. I am living in south Missouri now, and think of Herk every time I go to Branson to shop. You are in my thoughts at this time. Kathy Johnson Harvey."