Larry Eugene Hollinger

Larry Eugene Hollinger was born to Leo and Helen Hollinger on April 14, 1947 in Caliente, Nevada. Larry was raised in Eagle Valley, Nevada as a Rancher's son. He attended elementary school in a 1-room school house where he "got" to watch the nuclear bomb testing in the Nevada desert. One week following the testing the children were checked for radiation with geiger counters. Larry moved to Fruitland, Idaho when he was 9 years old. Larry's mom (Helen) owned a grocery store where she sold him candy bars for 2 cents each. Larry, being a young entrprenuer, would then sell them to the men working at the local slaughter house for 5 cents each.

Larry attended Fruitland High School and played in the marching band until he gave it up to play football. He was also an acomplished wrestler. He graduated from Fruitland High in 1965.

Larry moved to Boise in 1968 and attended Boise Junior College (later known as Boise State University). On a hot July night, while cruising downtown, he came upon a beautiful young woman. He decided he needed this beautiful young woman in his life and shouted "hey you, I think I love you, pull over!" and....she did. As they say, the rest is history and 9 months later, in March of 1969 he married the love of his life Marian.

Larry graduated from from Boise State University in August of 1969 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. That September, Larry and Marian were blessed with their only daughter, Shawna.

In November 1969, Larry enlisted in the Army National Guard. From 1969 to 1972 he was an enlisted Crane Operator. Being a natural born leader, he was appointed to the Idaho State Military Academy in June of 1971. In May 1972, Larry and Marian welcomed their first son, Jim. Two weeks later, Larry received his commision as a 2nd Lieutenant. After his commission Larry worked full time as an accountant at Idaho Sheet Metal while also serving his country on the weekends. In 1985 he committed to full time active duty with the Idaho National Guard.

Larry served a long and respected career with the Idaho National Guard and held many prestigious positions such as Company Commander of the 116th Maintenance Company, Commandant of RTSM, Battalion Commander of the 145th Support Battalion, and various other straegic roles. He had the opportunity to travel accross the United States as well internationally to Germany and Korea.

In 1979 Larry and Marian were pleasantly surprised with not one, but two baby boys, Jake and Danny. Larry was terrified of newborns but was left with no choice but to hold the newly born Jake while the doctors found that a twin had been hidden and was ready to greet his family.

Larry had a love of the outdoors and enjoyed boating, camping, fishing, and hunting. Rarely was there a weekend the Hollinger family was at home; they spent their free time exploring the great Idaho wilderness. Larry enjoyed finding arrowheads and rock hounding while sharing his love of 60's & 70's music with his children.

Larry also had a huge love of cars, especiallly Corvettes. After saving for years he finally bought his first Corvette and the license plate said it all... "W8ED4". He then purchased several more Corvettes including a brand new C6 and a 1967 Stingray. He and Marian were very active members in the Valley Corvette Club and were Vette Fest Coordinators for 5 years.

Larry retired from the military in 1999 and held a variety of jobs including his dream job of selling firearms at Intermountain Outdoor Sports. Not sure if the job was his dream or if the dream was the employee discount!

One of Larry's favorite titles was Grandpa; he had 9 grandchildren that vary in age from 2 to 27 years old. He enjoyed supporting their activities and loved teaching them to fish at the Annual Hollinger Family Camping Trip every summer.

Larry and Marian enjoyed snowbirding in Parker, Arizona and made wonderful friends down there. Larry enjoyed playing slot machines, drinking wine, and spending time at the ocean.

Larry's last day on Earth was a special one, as everyone of his children, their spouses, and all of his grandchildren were at his home for Grandma and Grandpa's Annual Cookie Party.

Larry is survived by his wife of almost 50 years Marian, his daughter Shawna (Kevin Abbott), his sons Jim (Erin), Danny (Amber) and Jake, his grandchildren Sarah (Trevor Kiser), Cody Abbott, Cole, Kaydence, Xander, Gabby, Macie, and Kensley.

He is preceeded in death by his father Leo, his mother and step-father Helen and Dick Pinkerton, his sister and brother-in-law Brenda and Louie Recla, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law Tom and Vivian Lacy.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association at 350 N. 9th Street Suite 404, Boise, ID 83702.