Larry J. Conley

Larry Jay Conley passed away on Friday, November 22, 2019, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND, at the age of 75 after a long battle with lymphoma.  He was born Monday, August 7, 1944, in Park Rapids, MN, to Errol and Elsie (Clarck) Conley of Akeley, MN.

Larry graduated from high school in Akeley, MN, in 1962.  He married Sharon (Moore) Stern on Saturday, July 27, 1968, in Williston, ND.  They moved to Fargo, ND, in 1983. Larry most recently lived with his daughter, Crystal, in Lake Park, MN.  Larry wore many different hats in his lifetime including serving in the United States Army (1965-1967), working for multiple companies such as F.W. Woolworth, Sears & Roebuck, and Nodak Stores.  He also participated in service organizations such as Lions Clubs International and Gold Wing Road Riders Association.

Larry was a remarkable man who had the endearing quality of being able to spread joy and happiness to those around him.  He had a great love for many things. Larry’s family and friends were massively important to him and he always had time to help you out with a project, take you to lunch or dinner, or just have a conversation with you. Larry also had extended family, per se.  As he saw the need, he would step in as an additional father figure or in whatever capacity was needed.  It was often stated that Larry could “Sell ice to an Eskimo”.  He was incredibly talented in the sales arena.  Larry shared his love of motorcycling with anyone and everyone who was willing to listen.  He could convert even the most stalwart non-believers into the motorcycle world as his belief was that everyone should have the chance to feel the freedom he enjoyed with his bike and later his trike. Shari and Larry made many a voyage on their bike/trike through the years. They were lucky enough to travel to many amazing places and meet many incredible people and they made a multitude of enduring friendships because of their GWRRA lifestyle! Anyone who got to spend private time with him knew that Larry loved to cook for other people, especially grilling outdoors, and he made an amazing meatloaf!  He enjoyed any type of gathering with others! He enjoyed nature, especially birds (bald eagles being his favorite) and deer. Larry also had a great love for God and his faith. He will leave a legacy of love.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon (Moore) Conley; parents, Errol and Elsie (Clarck) Conley; and stepson, Kevin Stern.

He is survived by his daughter, Crystal Neros of Lake Park, MN; two granddaughters, Chelsea Neros of Hawley, MN, and Altaya Neros of Moorhead, MN; brother, Joseph Conley of Park Rapids, MN; sister, Fran (Myron) Gack of Akeley, MN; brother, Thomas (Rose) Conley of Dexter, IA; sister, Kathy (Jim) Snow of Arlington, WA; two great-granddaughters and numerous nieces and nephews; he also leaves behind friends whom he loved for many years, special friends like Sherlynn Stewart (daughter in spirit); Linda Kennedy (very special friend), Bill and Lucy Barnes (family of the heart) and their daughters, Tonya and Rhonda, as well as many more. To anyone not previously mentioned, please know your names are engraved on our hearts!

Visitation will be 1:00-2:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 7, 2019, at Hegland Lutheran Church, 25494 40^th Ave S, Hawley, MN.