Larry House

Larry was born to Josephine and Anthony “Tony” House on November 20, 1942 in Boise, Idaho. He was the youngest of 7 to be born. He was raised on the family ranch in Eagle, Idaho. There he learned to farm and alone shot his first pheasant at the age of 7 with a double barrel shot gun. At the age of 16, he developed type 1 diabetes. He took to heart the country doctor’s advice to take good care of himself, so he’d live past his 30th birthday. He planned on taking over the family ranch, but his father decided not to retire so Larry set out on his own. His first job off the ranch was for 7-Up bottling company in Boise. He knew all the old buildings in Boise and would often point out when driving around town that he delivered “pop” here and there.

In his early 20’s he met Karen Grover whom he married and had 2 children, Mali Murphy and Angie Tate. He was a loyal son and brother to family spending many Sundays at the ranch socializing with his siblings, their families and his parents. His career moved on and he became a hearing aid dispenser and opened his own business, House of Hearing (Audio Hearing Aid Center), starting in the basement of his home and then later offices in Boise. He was instrumental in passing legislation for the licensing of hearing aid dispensers in the state of Idaho.  He also worked hard to provide for his family by building an 18-unit apartment building behind his office.

After divorcing, he met the love of his life, Velma (Val) House whom he lovingly called “Sweets.” They were married for 34 years when Val sadly passed in January 2021. They built a beautiful life together and their dream home on the rim of the mint fields on Chinden Boulevard in Meridian, now known as Spurwing Country Club. Larry loved traveling in his motorhome and golfing. He was deeply involved with the country club and forged hundreds of friendships there throughout the years. In fact, he had 70 friends to his home to celebrate an early 80th birthday in October.

After an unexpected hospitalization, Larry came home. Surrounded by his family he peacefully passed to be with his “Sweets” on December 3, 2022. He will be laid to rest next to Val at Dry Creek Cemetery.

Larry was one of a kind. He touched so many of us who had the pleasure of knowing him. He loved and was well loved.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Benjamin, brother Jim House, sister-in-law Elsa House and sister Doris Bolen, brother-in-law Joe Breiding, brother-in-law Wayne Eller. Additionally, stepchildren: Wayne Van Cleave and Debra Van Cleave (Johnston).

Larry is survived by brother Patrick House, sister-in-law Bonnie House, sister Marian Breiding, sister Charlotte Eller, brother-in-law Bill Bolen, daughter Mali Murphy and her husband Matt Murphy, daughter Angie Tate and her husband Eric Tate. Stepdaughter, Michelle Traenkner and stepson Rod Van Cleave. Grandchildren: Max Murphy, Maggie Murphy, Oliver (Ollie) Peine and Mattie Peine, Chad Johnston (Stephanie), Summer Van Cleave (Aaron Fowell), Valerie Marino (Cory), Natalie Allen (Ryan), Chase Traenkner, Taylor Traenkner, Hayley Van Cleave, Jordan Van Cleave (Ashley), Scott Van Cleave. Along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and Val’s great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Camp Hodia, a camp for children with type 1 diabetes. Idaho Diabetes Youth Programs (Hodia), 5439 W Kendall St. Boise, ID 83706 http://www.hodia.org/donate For online donations please use “additional comments” to include this gift is in loving memory of Larry House.

Memorial services will be held on December 14, 2022, at Spurwing Country Club at 10am. A light lunch will follow.