LARRY ORLIN BELKER

On July 20, 2026, the gates of Heaven opened their doors for Larry. In true Larry fashion he came racing in on his golf cart, singing, dancing, and yelling, "Ladies Choice!"

Larry Orlin Belker, age 82, of Grand Forks, ND, died at Valley Senior Living on Columbia, in Grand Forks.

Larry, a son of Alfred and Irene (Grann) Belker, was born on January 1, 1944, in Fargo, ND. At an early age he moved with his family to Grand Forks. He attended Valley Junior High and graduated from GF Central in 1961. On November 29, 1964, Larry joined the US Army Reserve. He was honorably discharged April 25, 1965. On May 13, 1967, he married Judith (Judy) Kielty. He worked for BNSF Railroad for a time before working as a salesman and later as a manager for Dow Welding which later became Praxair. He worked there for over 30 years. After his retirement he returned to work at GF Welding before finally retiring at the age of seventy-one.

Larry always worked hard and played even harder. He was a member of the Eagles in Hallock, MN, the Elks and Knights of Columbus in Grand Forks, ND where he served as Grand Knight for two terms. In the earlier years he coached Len and Jeff (from the bleachers) during their school hockey years. On Saturdays, after volunteering and cooking lunch for a hungry crowd at the KC's he would be ready for playing a little possum at the pool table - either hanging around afterward at the KC's or going to Johnny's Lounge - he loved to show others how it's done.

His love was spending time with family and friends – whether it was a Friday night dancing at Charlie Browns or lately, enjoying a warming cup of soup at The Broken Drum. Cass Lake Lodge was his second home but always first in his heart. He made friendships that would last a lifetime. He would spend days tinkering in the shed, making wood creations for the grandkids, and cruising the resort. His favorite time of the summer was serving as the Grand Marshal for the 4th of July golf cart parade. Sailing out to Star Island was always the hit of the weekend – wading in the water, having a cold Budweiser, and visiting with everyone – this was his Happy, Happy, Happy place!

Larry is survived by his wife of 59 years, Judy Belker; children, Len (Trish) Belker and Jeffrey (Brenda) Belker; Four grandchildren; Jayda (Morgan) Klepzig, Jenna Belker (fiancé Cody Grabow), Alyssa Belker (Jon Radamacher), and Cody Bakken. Step-grandchildren also survive him; Adam, Logan (Kamie), Cody, (Lex Rousseau), Jaiden and Noah Mahlum and four great grandchildren; Paisleigh, Bodee, Drew, and Ajla. Larry is also survived by brother-in-law, Duane Nelson, and sister-in-law, Kathy Kielty, as well as several nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Loren Belker, sister, Lila Jane Nelson, niece Cheri Schroeder and a nephew Leif Belker.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial to the Altru Cancer Center: FILLING THE GAP, 960 S. Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58201.

Larry and Judy were just a few short months away from celebrating 60 years of marriage. Please mark your calendars for May 13, 2027, and raise a glass to Larry and Judy as a way of celebrating his memory and their years together.

Larry, this Buds for you and "Here's Looking Up Your Address!"

Memorial Liturgy: Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Norman Funeral Home in Grand Forks, ND.

Visitation: One hour prior to Liturgy in the funeral home.

Military Honors: Accorded by members of the American Legion Post 157, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817 and the ND Army National Guard Honor Guard.