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Aug. 25, 1945-Sept. 6, 2026
Balta
Larry Michael Muffenbier died at his home near Balta late Sunday evening, September 6th, just 12 days after his 81st birthday.
He was born in Rugby to Mike and Johanna (DeGroat) Muffenbier and grew up on the family farm in Balta Township - Pierce County. Larry graduated from Balta High School in 1963. Following school he worked various jobs in North Dakota.
He married his high school sweetheart, Diane Axtman at Selz on October 9, 1965. In 1967, they moved to Texas where he worked for A E Telephone Company for 9 years. In May, 1976, they returned to the family farm which he farmed until the time of his death.
He was active in his community having served on the Balta Farmers Union, FSA, Balta Township, and the Mt. Carmel Church boards. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3834. He liked to play pool with his friends, he enjoyed owning and restoring vintage autos and tractors, working on the family genealogy, going to the casino, visiting, but mostly spending time with his grandchildren and other family members.
Larry is survived by his wife, Diane and their son, Kevin and his wife Toni – West Fargo; his brother, Rod – Balta, and his sister, Mary Lou Bahnsen - West Fargo. He also leaves 3 grandchildren, Taylor (Reed) Gleason, Jordan (Ben) Waswick, and Jesse Muffenbier. He leaves a Great Grandchild, Ryder Gleason. In addition he leaves many nieces and nephews and sisters-in-law Myrna Muffenbier and Irene Kramer.
He was preceded in death by his son, Gerald N, and brothers, Wesley, Dennis and Gerald, in addition to two sisters who died as children, Mary Ann and Joan.
Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Balta on Saturday, September 12th at 10:30 A.M. with burial following in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be on Friday, September 11th at the Niewoehner Funeral Home from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM.
www.niewoehnerfh.com
Published by The Minot Daily News, September 9, 2026.