Larry Maly

A Graveside Memorial Service and Military Honors for Larry Maly will be held Friday, December 20, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at the Orleans Cemetery, Orleans, Nebraska, with Mr. William Bills officiating.

Lawrence Frederick "Larry" Maly, 64 years of age, of Orleans, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at his home. Larry was born in Middletown, Connecticut, on September 29, 1960, the oldest of four children born to Thomas and Mary (Von Dietsch) Maly. Larry grew up in Deep River, Connecticut, and after leaving high school, enlisted into the United States Army. After graduating from Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia, Larry worked as a paratrooper and served overseas during the Persian Gulf War as part of Operation Desert Storm. He would later also serve as a drill instructor and Army recruiter and ascend to the rank of Staff Seargent.

Following his retirement from the Army after 22 years of service, Larry moved to Orleans, Nebraska with his family. He then became very involved with the local Boy Scouts, working with both the Alma and Orleans troops until they each disbanded. During his 22 years of service to the Boy Scouts, he assisted over 20 scouts in achieving their Eagle Scout rank and also served as the Shooting Sports Director at Camp Hansen in Kirwin, Kansas, every summer.

In his free time, he enjoyed watching hockey and old Western movies, being on Facebook, visiting with family, and telling "dad jokes." Always the jokester, many people, both friends and strangers alike, were often hard-pressed to make it through an encounter with Larry without being asked to "pull my finger." He could start up a conversation with just about anyone and could always be counted on to have a crazy story to tell.

Larry was preceded in death by: his mother, Mary Maly; his brother, Christopher T. Maly; his first wife, Marina Maly; his uncle, Joseph "Buddy" Von Dietsch, Jr.; and his grandparents.

Larry is survived by his wife, Rose Maly of Orleans; five children: Christopher J. Maly of Homer, Alaska; Brenda Maly of Anchorage, Alaska; Kimberly Heinz and husband Michael of Kearney, Nebraska; Jacob Maly of Junction City, Kansas; and Ryan Maly of Orleans; his siblings: Melissa Graham and husband, Earl of Lost Creek, West Virginia; Angela McElwain and husband, Ed of Clarksburg, West Virginia; his father, Thomas Maly and wife Patricia of Concord, North Carolina; six grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and a host of other friends and relatives.

There will be no viewing or visitation. The family is honoring Larry's wish for cremation.

Memorials in Larry's honor are suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.