Lawrence "Larry" L. Patnoe passed away peacefully in his sleep December 20, 2019 after 91+ active and good years. Larry was born June 9th, 1928 in White River S.D. as that had the closest hospital. His father Ernest Patnoe was owner operator of the Patnoe Garage a Chevrolet and Goodyear tire dealership, Norris S.D.. In 1943, the dealership was sold and the family moved to White River S.D. where Ernest became the town Marshall and his wife Lois was a teacher and elected Mellette County Treasurer in 1950 thru 1954. Larry was a starter on the White River basketball team that won 28 games in 31 starts his senior year. In 1946, he also established the 100 and 220 yard dash school track record. Larry attended USD for 2 years setting track records and playing varsity basketball. He then enrolled University of Nebraska School of Law in Lincoln, but an illness interrupted his graduation. His illness was treated at the SD Tuberculosis Sanitorium in Custer, where he met and soon thereafter married Nell Winkler, who was a Registered Nurse at Santorum. Nell was born and raised on the Winkler Ranch north of Newell SD.

Larry and Nell were married in 1951 beginning their life together in Rapid City. Larry employed in the men's department at Donaldson's Department Store and Nell at St. John's Hospital. Larry start his own Shop for Men during the late 1950s. In 1963, Lloyd Steckelberg convinced Larry to work at Frontier Ford with an opportunity to buy stock in the Ford dealership. Nell joked that for their stock they owned the doormat coming in the back door of the dealership.

Larry loved working in the car dealership, meeting customers while marketing the inventory and the dealership. ***His marketing skills and management of the used vehicle inventory became widely respected in the industry. If the dealership was open Larry was there, but after business hours Larry enjoyed quality time with family and friends. There were frequent fishing trips in the Black Hills, Boy Scout outings, pheasant hunts, and countless hours at the baseball fields. Larry coached several Little League and Pony League teams with his coaching highlight being one of the initial coaches for the inaugural season of the Post 22 Bullets Team. Larry always cared for kids especial those living in tough circumstances, he was an initial and annually supporter of the the Back to School Back Pack for Kids Program plus a regular supporter of Youth & Family Services and YMCA Scholarships.

In 1984, Larry purchased Liberty Motors in Rspid City an AMC/Jeep/Renault Dealership. In 1987, Liberty received recognition as the 7th highest volume selling AMC Eagle dealer in America! Larry and Liberty Motors was 7th in National Standings for Chrysler-Jeep Dealer of the Year in 2006. ***Over the last 30 years Liberty has received countless awards and recognition for outstanding customer satisfaction as well as sales results. One of Larry's proudest moments was Liberty Superstores being voted the Black Hills Best New Car Dealer in 2019. Larry may have only missed 2 days of work at Liberty since 1984 and was going into work everyday up until 2 weeks before passing away.

Larry laid the solid foundation for Liberty Motors to build upon, expanding to 5 locations in Rapid City and most recently Sturgis representing 10 franchises. The Patnoe family sincerely appreciates the support of the many customers, friends and Liberty staff over the years.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife Nell in 2006, his parents and sister Mary Eloise. He is survived by his brother LaVerne (Fronna) Patnoe and his sister Patricia (Virgil) Bechtold. Also, survived by son Don Patnoe (Jane) and their children, Kelly J. Patnoe Nieto (Ricky), Max Patnoe (Lacy) and Lauren Patnoe; and his son Tom Patnoe M.D. (Kelly M.) and their children Sarah Patnoe Weber (Matt) and great granddaughter, Rose, Sam Patnoe (Amy) great granddaughter, Isabel, and Alex Patnoe (Gina). Larry is also survived by Anita Blewett, who for many years has been Larry's close friend companion. Larry especially cherished his time with Anita enjoying the golf course and social activities at Arrowhead Country Club.

Memorials may be made to your favorite charity/cause.