Rapid City – Lawrence "Larry " John Bulman, 78, died Thursday, September 5, 2024 at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital.

He was born June 21, 1946, to Charles and Leona Eleanor (Gorder) Bulman Cooper in Aberdeen, SD.

Larry leaves behind his loving wife, Karen (Norman) Bulman, his children, Jennifer (Bulman) Sanchez and Jonas (Heidi) Bulman, and his cherished grandchildren, Isabelle, Trent, and Audrey Sanchez, and Matte Bulman; his sister Pat Hahn, and nephews Kurt and Charles Hahn and families; brother-in-law Gene Norman, and nephews Justin and Scott Norman and families.

Larry graduated from Rapid City High School in 1964. He married Karen in July 1967 in Rapid City, SD. Larry served in the United States Air Force as a Radio Relay Equipment Specialist, which took him and Karen to various parts of the United States and Germany. Eventually, they settled back in Rapid City to raise their family.

Larry's military service led to a distinguished career as a civilian Contract Manager for Ellsworth Air Force Base until his retirement in 2006. Throughout his life he was highly respected for his leadership and abilities to solve problems. His career even led to a request to be interviewed for a position in the White House. Since childhood, Larry was passionate about stock car racing, classic cars, photography, and reading the latest mystery or suspense books. He loved to play the guitar and sing, and for those fortunate enough to receive his annual Christmas letter, he could tell a great story.

In retirement, Larry could be found out on the lake or the Missouri River fishing with his closest friends or hunting in the fields of South Dakota. He was also a devoted volunteer often holding leadership roles in the Rapid City Elks Lodge #1187, Rushmore Little League, and Trinity Lutheran Church. In these roles, he could be found remodeling interiors, building structures, and hiring and coordinating outside contractors to work on the facilities. Larry's love and commitment to each of these organizations benefited the community and provided an example of how to make a difference for future generations.

Larry is remembered for his loyalty, intelligence, and his chocolate chip cookies.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Leona (Gorder) Bulman Cooper, step-father, Thurlow Cooper, his brother-in-law, Michael Hahn, and his sister-in-law, Karen Norman.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Thursday, September 12 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 am Friday, September 13 at Trinity. Lutheran Church, 402 Kansas City Street, with visitation starting one hour prior to the service.

Burial will be at Mt. View Cemetery.

Services with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.