Lawrence "Larry" Etzel

Lawrence “Larry” Eugene Etzel, 77, passed away on September 18, 2026, in Salem, Oregon. Born on April 30, 1949, in Salem, Larry was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, veteran, and public servant whose greatest joy came from spending time with the people he loved.

Larry was the son of Melvina Etzel and Lawrence Etzel. Throughout his life, he was known for sharing stories, enjoying the company of others, and appreciating the simple moments that brought family and friends together.

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. His commitment to hard work and helping others continued throughout his life. For more than 50 years, Larry worked as a millwright, building a long career through skill, dedication, and hard work. He also served his community as a firefighter and EMT. Whether through his military service, his career, his service to his community, or simply being there when someone needed him, Larry dedicated much of his life to others.

Above all, Larry treasured his family. His daughters, Sarah Christine Sanders and Melissa Catherine Murray, held an especially important place in his heart. He cherished every opportunity he had to spend time with them, sharing stories from his life, talking, laughing, and simply enjoying being together. Time with his daughters was never something Larry took for granted.

His family grew to include his grandchildren, David Bryson Sanders, Violet Pearl Sanders, Ophelia Maelle Grisell, Tyni Crystal Murray, Michael Anthony Murray, and Khloe LouEllen Murray, as well as his great-grandson, Declan Michael Bickle. Being surrounded by the generations of his family gave Larry even more people to love, more lives to take pride in, and more memories to treasure.

Larry loved sharing life with those closest to him. He enjoyed taking his wife out and spoiling her, exploring new places together, and trying new foods. He appreciated both the adventures and the ordinary moments—the kind of time spent together that ultimately becomes some of life’s most treasured memories.

Larry found happiness in model trains, hobby farming, spending time with friends and family, exploring new places, and enjoying good food. He was also an animal lover and had a special place in his heart for his beloved cats, Bolt, Nova, and Dawn, whose companionship brought him much happiness.

Larry leaves behind his daughters, Sarah Christine Sanders and Melissa Catherine Murray; his grandchildren, David Bryson Sanders, Violet Pearl Sanders, Ophelia Maelle Grisell, Tyni Crystal Murray, Michael Anthony Murray, and Khloe LouEllen Murray; his great-grandson, Declan Michael Bickle; and his siblings, Gregory Etzel, Debra Etzel, and Steve Etzel. He also leaves behind friends and loved ones who will remember the stories he told, the conversations they shared, and the time they were fortunate enough to spend with him.

Larry was preceded in death by his beloved wives, Dorothy Etzel and Cynthia Etzel, and his son-in-law, Jimmy Sanders.

Larry’s life was marked by service, hard work, family, friendship, and love. More than anything, he valued time with the people who mattered to him. Whether he was telling a story, spending an afternoon with his daughters, enjoying his grandchildren and great-grandson, visiting with friends, tending to his hobby farm, enjoying his cats, or heading somewhere new to see what he might discover, Larry understood the value of simply being together.

Those moments became his life, and they are now the memories his family and friends will carry forward.

Larry will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him.