Larry Mossberger

Larry Carl Mossberger, born April 26, 1952, passed away February 22, 2023, of a sudden heart attack at the age of 70.  Before he passed, he was able to pray with his wife Sharon and ask for protection of his wife and kids and for forgiveness.

He was born in Superior, Wisconsin. Most of his childhood he lived in North Denver and attended North High School.

Growing up, Larry was a brother to 8 sisters and 2 brothers. Early on, one of his most suiting nicknames was "Crazy Larry" which captivates his unique character and spark. His other childhood nickname was "Mouth" which may or may not have had something to do with his talking a lot?

He had several near death encounters over his life including rheumatic fever when he was about 12 years old.  When he was 19 he nearly fell to his death at Red Rocks Ampitheater, but instead he survived the deadly fall. Last year he survived a collapsed lung and was making a tremendous recovery.

As a young man, Larry's life was lived in the fast lane. He battled multiple addictions, but in his later years he found peace in his Faith.  Larry was so proud that God pulled him through the worst of his addictions and he would want anyone dealing with addictions to know they can do it too.

His high energy, intensity and intellect carried into to his final days.

In 2016 he retired from Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church as Head of Maintenance after about seven years.

During his young adult years, he found success early on in a high powered position repairing large printing equipment and training people across the country, but when that door closed, it was a devastating setback.

He went on to explore a variety of other trades throughout his life including many sales positions and various occupations including a candle salesman, used office furniture delivery man, tree trimmer, ice cream truck driver, trash man, bread delivery man, coffee setup and delivery man, buyer/seller at the flea market, used car salesman, plumber, prolific dumpster diver, metal scrapper, and the list goes on.  People would say "he could sell a candle to a blind man", though, the ice cream truck gig did not work out because he gave away too much of the ice cream to the poor kids!

His hobbies included fishing, playing his guitar, song writing, and bargaining, which he did all of these often.  It was common for him to come up with an impromptu song and sing personalized versions to the kids and grandkids while playing his guitar.  "I want another little girl, just like ....." and he would fill in a name.

He was a father and father figure to many over the years. His children are reminded often of the ripple affect Larry had on many strangers lives too, either someone he helped change their flat tire, or lend them his car or literally take the shirt off his back to help someone in need. Sometimes he was generous to a fault, but it gave him joy to give to others.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Carl Mossberger and June (Bergstrom) Mossberger Radis; siblings, Rodger, Deana, Carla, Gloria, Carly, and Tonia; and sibling Christina "Chris" from his dad's second marriage.

Larry is survived by his loving wife and life partner of over 20 years Sharon (Brown) Mossberger; his sisters Terry, Becky, Tina and Jody (lovingly known as the Bossbergers); his children and their spouses Tashia and Joe, Brian and Kim, Tanya (and former spouse Chris), Shanna and Doug, Trisha and Joe, Aaron and Seema; Mike and Renae Brown; and former wife of 25 years Karen (Osburn) Castleschouldt; and 29 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. All the kids and grandchildren will miss fishing with "Papa Larry" a.k.a. "Grandpa Larry" at Riverbend Park in Palisade, Colorado and many other fishing holes across Western Colorado.

The Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, April 22, 2023, with a potluck at noon and a memorial service at 2pm located at Riverbend Park in Palisade, CO.

Everyone is encouraged to bring their "Crazy Larry", "Papa Larry" and "Grandpa Larry" stories to share and celebrate.

Larry's final resting place will be at Crown Hill Cemetery laid to rest near his father and brother(s) in Denver, CO.