Lawrence "Larry" Lee Kiedrowski, who passed away January 6 in Great Falls at the age of 71, will be remembered next week during a memorial service in Hogeland.
Edwards Funeral Home says that the graveside service will be on June 23 at the Wing Cemetery in Hogeland at 11:30 a.m.; and that "following the service there will be a luncheon for all who join us."
Kiedrowski was known for his sometimes simple, sometimes elaborate carts that he wheeled along the sidewalks of Great Falls.
The KRTV Facebook page was flooded with people sharing fond memories about Larry.
- Carl Yost: I used to take my son to taco tuesday at Taco Treat on 10th Ave South every week after school. Larry would be there every time having lunch at the next table over.
- Lisa Lisa: I remember some years ago when I did home care I would talk to him every morning as I walked my client to the bus stop he was a nice guy
- Miranda Hedge: Great falls people were his family – so sad we won’t see him anymore – I always seen him at target and always struck up a convo with him such a nice guy
- Fred Walker: He use to break my heart when I work nights at West County Market in the winter. He would come and get up on the smoking table go to sleep and it would be 5 to15 below zero and I would beg and beg for him to come inside and he refused. I would spend all night going out and making sure he was OK. Rest In Peace Larry you deserve it.
- Shelly Barber: He would come into Biglots everyday when I was at work and he would shop then he would come to check out he told me he liked me because I was his friend
- Cari Freeman-Isakson: I was a student at Dahl’s college of Beauty in the late 90’s. I remember Larry coming in often to use the vending machine. The whole beauty school would greet him and he was always friendly.
- Sandra Haddenham: My son and I gave him a bottle of ice cold water on one of the hottest days. He was very grateful and had the sweetest voice. I will miss seeing around. RIP Larry.
- Lisa Louise Evans: 23 years ago we moved to Great Falls, we saw this man with tin foil on his head and covered in duct tape. My children as young as they were curious of course. over the course of years, we all got to know Larry on the street. He was a kind man. You would think kids at that age would be scared or be mean, but when they would always visit him. Even as adults now. We were just talking about Larry and how we have not seen him around. R.I.P Larry. you were kind soul.
(JANUARY 9, 2018) Larry Kiedrowski, known affectionately to many people in the Great Falls community as "Larry the homeless guy," has passed away.
According to Cory Reeves of the Great Falls Police Department, Kiedrowski died of heart failure at a Great Falls hospital. Kiedrowski was known for his sometimes simple, sometimes elaborate carts that he wheeled along the sidewalks of Great Falls.
The Great Falls Police Department shared the following information about Larry:
Larry grew up on his family’s farm north of Hogeland, MT with his six siblings and his parents, Lorraine and Frank, who passed away a few years ago.Larry retired from MANG then seemingly lost his way and ended up living the life of a transient throughout Great Falls. About 15 years ago, the government tried to have Larry committed and send him away. That’s when Detective Cory Reeves and two other caring community members stepped in and offered to be caretakers for Larry.
They all believed Larry should be allowed to live his life the way he wanted to, even though it was not the way others thought he should do it. With their intervention and commitment, the District Court allowed Larry to stay in Great Falls and live out the remaining years of his life on his terms.
Larry was homeless for several years and could be found sleeping in an alley or under a bridge. Lt. Allen recalls finding Larry, on a very cold winter night, sleeping comfortably just outside of a warm air vent in an alley downtown. For the last many years Larry lived in small motels throughout town.
Larry liked to drink Coca-Cola and read Popular Science magazines. Detective Reeves welcomed Larry into his family and often treated him to dinner. Reeves' children came to love Larry and enjoyed their time together. Reeves says one of the things Larry loved to do most was attend the Guns and Hoses hockey games with his family. Reeves says, "Larry’s face would light up at those games, he just loved them."Larry will be missed by many in our community, especially Detective Reeves and his family.
We will post an update if we learn of any public memorials planned in Larry’s honor.
