Lawrence "Larry" Henry Florian died suddenly but peacefully at his home on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at the age of 78 years.
He was born November 14, 1932 in Akron to Henry and Frances Powers Florian. He was the oldest of seven children and was raised on the homestead south of Akron. Upon attending Bellevue School and graduating from Akron High School in 1951, he became an Aggie at Colorado A & M (now Colorado State University).
In 1954, he joined the army and became a paratrooper in the 504th infantry, completing his basic training in California. While home on leave, he married his high school sweetheart, Lois Kraich on July 3, 1954. The couple immediately left for North Carolina which was their home for almost two years. He successfully completed twelve jumps, and opted out of the thirteenth jump as he felt uncomfortable with that "unlucky" number. He was extremely proud of his time served in the army.
After returning to Akron, the couple took over his family's farm. During the winters, Larry worked construction with his father. His specialty was laying cement block basements. Unable to have children of their own, Larry and Lois adopted a daughter, Lori, in 1964 and a son, Lynn, in 1966.
His entire life, he was a sports enthusiast. Although he himself enjoyed playing football, baseball, and bowling, his favorite activity was watching his children and grandchildren in all of their sporting events. He was a huge fan of the Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, and the Colorado Rockies.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Frances, his father and mother-in-law, Chris and Ilah Lodwig Kraich, three of his siblings, Edna Florian, Robert (Bob) Florian, and Paul (Bud) Florian, and in-laws Roland and Joyce Krier, Duane and Dorothy Wagner, De Kraich, and Ed Kraich, and his son Lynn.
He is survived by his wife, Lois, of Akron; his daughter Lori Baer and husband Alan of Akron; his grandchildren, Brittini Mauro of Northglenn, Logan Mauro of Greeley, Brady Baer and Jordan Baer of Akron; his great granddaughter Brynn Duran of Northglenn. He is also survived by his sister Darlene Kraich and Kay Fuller and husband Tom of Akron; his brother Delbert (Dutch) Florian and wife Brenda of Colorado Springs; his in-laws Nancy Florian, Jean Florian, Bob and Phyllis Kraich, Ron and Veda Kraich, Gordon and Cheryl Kraich all of Akron, Jan Kraich of Westminster, Delbert and Ellen Kraich of Colorado Springs, and Delbert and Carolyn Wagner of Lakewood; many cousins, nieces and nephews, and a host of friends, including his "coffee" buddies.
A vigil was held Friday, February 4, 2011 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial followed the next day, also at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment followed at Akron Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Akron High School Basketball Program.