Larry John Traeger (1931 - 2014) Larry was born on May 16, 1931 in Timber Lake, South Dakota, the third son of Joseph and Gladys (Gamble) Traeger. He attended Mt. Angel Prepatory School graduating in 1949. He then attended Northwestern University of Law, graduating in 1959. Larry excelled in sports throughout his school years. At 29 years old, Larry became the Municipal Judge in Lake Oswego, Oregon and was the president of the Chamber of Commerce. Larry served in the Army, January of 1951 through 1953 as a Cryptographic Specialist and spent nine months of that time in the field. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. Larry was then employed with the FBI until moving to Juneau in 1962. He then worked as a Private Investigator, Insurance Adjuster and Marine Surveyor. In 1974 he became self-employed as Traeger Adjusters and Marine Surveyors. In 1984, Larry established Alaska Pellet Heating which is known today as Alaska Hearth Products. He was a member of the Juneau Moose Lodge #700 and the Sitka Elks Lodge #1662. Larry married the love of his life, Kathy Bavard, on November 4, 1972. The most enjoyable position that Larry held was that of the Mayor of Lucky Me. The cabin in Tenakee Springs also provided fun and adventure for Larry and Kathy. He enjoyed family, friends, fishing, watching all sports and dancing with Kathy. Larry will be remembered as kind and caring to all he met as well as for his great sense of humor. Larry is survived by his wife Kathy. Sister Jeanette (Harold) Gauge, Brothers, Joe (Kathy) Traeger, Louie Traeger and sister-in-laws Dorothy, Maureen and Susan Traeger. Brother-in-law John Bavard, Sister-in-law Evelyn Bavard. Children: Laurie (Troy) Mathews, Judi (Alan) Blankenship, Lauri (Jim) Ritter, Tony Weiss, Bridget Weiss. Grandchildren: Tyler Mathews, Mark Davis, Jeff Davis, Michael Laudert, Brandilyn McDonald, Travis Monahan, Casey Monahan and 9 great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren. Larry was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Gladys Traeger. Brothers, Ed Traeger, Jim Traeger and Vincent Traeger. It was Larrys desire that no formal services be performed in Juneau. Memorial services will be held in Mt. Angel, Oregon. The family would like to thank Dr. Haddock, Bartlett Hospital staff and the staff at Family Practice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Larrys memory to the charity of the donors choice . Published in The Juneau Empire on Dec. 22, 2014
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 19:10:09 +0000