Larry Raymond von Schell

Larry Raymond von Schell, beloved by his family and friends, passed away on October 19, 2024 in Portland, Oregon.

Larry was born in Watsonville on October 29,1948 to Fred and Mildred von Schell. He attended local schools, and after graduating from Watsonville High in 1967 he attended Modesto Junior College to study horticulture. He then served in the Air Force for four years. Larry returned to Watsonville after his service and met his wife of 50 years, Denise Moore. Larry worked at IBM in San Jose as a lab technician for many years. He and his wife resided and raised their family in Watsonville until they moved to Milwaukie, Oregon in 2015.

Larry was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Watsonville during his years in Watsonville. He was active in church activities, including the church youth group. He joined the Oak Hills Presbyterian Church after moving to Milwaukie. One of his favorite activities there was helping with Vacation Bible School. His faith was a comfort and help throughout his life.

He loved music, sports, classic cars and boats and many outdoor activities. In his youth he enjoyed playing little league and announcing games. He was a Boy Scout and loved camping at Pico Blanco. Larry was a life-long, avid fan of the Bay Area sports teams and had an amazing recall of sports facts.

In 2000 Larry was severely injured in a car accident that left him a quadraplegic, but his indomitable spirit did not let this slow him down. He learned how to drive and he continued to regularly connect with his friends. He enjoyed watching and participating in sports activities, including adaptive bowling, ski trips with the Disabled American Veterans group, and many other activities. He attended adaptive physical education classes at Cabrillo College and was an assistant for the women's softball team under Coach Johnson for several years.

Larry was fully dedicated to his family and enjoyed getting together and celebrating family whenever possible, including many vacation trips to visit relatives and attend family events, especially summer vacations with his relatives in North Dakota and Minnesota where he could experience and help with farm life and his vacations with his family at Hat Creek.

Larry had youthful exuberance and a genuine zest for life. He always had a smile on his face and a positive, cheerful attitude. He had a gregarious nature and there wasn't a person he couldn't talk to nor a person he wouldn't take the time to help. He was always ready for any adventure that presented itself. Even as Larry faced several major health challenges, he met them with faith, strength and resilience and was an inspiration to everyone around him. Larry was also a sweet and humble soul. He was truly full of sunshine with a heart of gold, full of goodness and kindness. We will all miss him dearly.

Larry is survived by his wife, Denise; their children, Nathan, Jared and Liesl; sisters Ardene Kannely, Janice Thurman, and Joyce Madison; seven grandchildren; numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins; extended family and many loving friends.

Burial will be in Oregon. Memorial services will be at Oak Hills Presbyterian Church in Milwaukie in November.

The family welcomes acts of kindness in Larry's honor. Donations in Larry's name may be made to Disabled American Veterans or your favorite charity.

Published in The Pajaronian · October 25, 2024