Laurence R. Zirker

Laurence “Larry” R. Zirker, 77, of Ammon, Idaho, passed away on November 3, 2024.

He was born February 5, 1947, in Salt Lake City and raised among the red rocks of Kanab, Utah, and the rugged beauty of Page, Arizona.

Larry wore many hats in his life: river guide, missionary in South Germany, high school teacher, oil field hand, scientist, and engineer. After some grueling summers and bone-chilling winters in the oil fields, he returned to school at Ohio State University, completing his master's degree in welding engineering. Eventually, he made his way to the Idaho National Laboratory, where he spent 25 years as a scientist/engineer. He was a life-long member of the American Welding Society, worked as an investigating scientist for the National Science Foundation, and mentored numerous graduate students.

He served in many positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Scripturally, he loved the book of Isaiah.

In his retirement, Larry continued to lend his skills as a subcontractor, tinkering away on projects even as his muscular dystrophy began to slow him down. But it couldn’t stop him. Ever the resourceful outdoors man, Larry adapted, determined to enjoy his love of fishing—even if that meant casting a line from his wheelchair. He had his sights set on one last fishing trip with his son right up to the end, proving that his spirit of adventure was undiminished.

Larry leaves behind a legacy of resourcefulness and ingenuity. He is survived by his wife, Margie, their four children, Tom, Tricia, Tara, and David, and his sister, Lilly Paige Hilt. He joins his parents, Ileen and Laurence Remo Zirker, and his sister, Vicky Gertrude Ward.

To his family and friends, Larry was a problem solver, a craftsman, and a willing builder of whatever his wife and kids could dream up. He had a generous heart, loved to tell jokes and always had ideas to solve problems others encountered.

In his last few months, he was a paragon of patience and endurance. He frequently expressed gratitude for his blessings.

A memorial is planned for family and close friends.