Larry J. Burr, Sr.

Larry James Burr, Sr., 78, of Halliday, passed away on March 13, 2025, at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck.  Services will be held at 10:00 AM CDT, Monday, March 17, 2025, at the Twin Buttes Wellness Center, Twin Buttes, with burial to follow at the Burr Family Cemetery.  A wake will begin at 5:00 PM CDT, Sunday and the Twin Buttes Wellness Center.

Larry James Burr, Sr. was born March 7, 1947, in Elbowoods ND, to Evan Burr, Sr. and Gertrude Jacobs-Burr. He began his life on the bottom lands, in what is now below Lake Sakakawea. He started his education at the Elbowoods School. At the age of 10, the family relocated to Twin Buttes, ND due to the flood from the Garrison Diversion Project. Larry then attended Twin Buttes School through the 8th grade being part of the first graduating class from the Twin Buttes School. He spent his time playing basketball, hunting, and fishing. The Twin Buttes Eagles basketball team won many tournaments, including the Dunn County junior varsity basketball championship. Larry was a gifted student and skipped from the 4th to 6th grade, making him a year younger than his classmates from that point on. He attended Halliday high school where he excelled in both his academic studies and basketball, graduating in 1964. The 1964 Halliday Wolverines qualified for the North Dakota State Class B basketball tournament, where they finished in 5th place. Larry was consistently included in the sports section of many state-wide newspapers, often being the high point man. He cherished his teammates and spent the rest of his life talking about what a wonderful time in his life that was. Larry decided to attend the University of North Dakota but often talked about what a lonely time that was for him, so he decided to finish his college education at Dickinson State University where he received his Degree in Education with and emphasis in Business Administration in 1969. He was a firm believer in education. During his time at Dickinson State, he married the love of his life, Rita Wilhelm, on June 2, 1967. That union would last almost 58 years. Larry and Rita had four children, Larry Jr., Leslie, LaRae, and Lynch. Larry’s family would become his ultimate passion.

Larry began his work with the Three Affiliated Tribes before moving to the Bureau of Indian Affairs where he served as the Agency Administrative Manager, Area Realty Officer, and Agency Superintendent in various locations throughout the Bureau. This would send him and his family to many different reservations to serve in different capacities. His most notable achievements were those in the area of Trust Management where he maintained a thorough knowledge of principles and laws concerning land management. He often represented the Great Plains Region on national issues involving changes to the BIA regulations, policies and procedures on trust management. Larry retired from the Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs in 2001 returning home to Halliday ND, where he would spend the rest of his life with his wife Rita. Larry spent his entire adult life as a dedicated loyal family man who loved his wife, kids, and entire family. Larry was seldom seen without Rita. Larry was a quiet man, but when he spoke everyone listened. He was the quiet giant. To his children he was a father first in their formative years, and as they grew older, he became a friend while always remaining the consummate teacher. Without a doubt, Larry’s pride was in his family. Larry was an extremely talented golfer, winning tournaments throughout the country. He often said that golf was the ultimate gentlemen’s game because it inspired honesty, creativity, sportsmanship, and competitiveness. Passing those traits, respect, and love of the game to his family and others as well. He was also an avid softball player in his younger years, playing for Team Northrup, as well as playing intramural basketball. He met many lifelong friends while playing sports. Larry was always willing to serve when asked, he was on election committees, pow wow committees, and the Twin Buttes Elders Board. Larry’s first grandchild came along in August 1994, eventually having six grandchildren and one great grandchild. His grandchildren truly became the apples of his eye, passing along the same teachings that he shared with his children. Larry was greeted in death by his parents, Evan and Gertrude, his siblings, Reva, Dennis, Marlene, Roger, and his son Lynch along with many extended friends and family. Larry is survived by his loving wife Rita, his children Larry (Lori), Leslie, LaRae (Lotto), grandchildren Landon (Brooke), Megan (Jeren), Dillon, Luke, Lake, Bodey, and great granddaughter Brinley.

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