Retired Idaho National Guard General dies
Former Idaho National Guard Adjutant General and Commanding General, Major General Larry Lafrenz died Friday.
In a statement, the Idaho National Guard said, “Gen. Lafrenz’s unwavering stewardship of the Idaho Military Division has shaped it into the outstanding organization it is today. Many of our ongoing successes are attributed to his tireless work during his long career.
We are thankful for his decades of dedicated leadership to our state and nation. He will be greatly missed.”
Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter issued the following statement:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of General Lafrenz, whose military career and exemplary service to the citizens of Idaho helped shape a generation of citizen soldiers as devoted as he was to protecting our values and way of life. Larry was a warrior to the end and a great leader of the men and women who go into harm’s way on our behalf.”
Lafrenz enlisted in the Idaho National Guard in May 1966.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, “(Lafrenz) began his career as a commissioned officer in September 1968 as a platoon leader in the 248th Engineer Battalion, Lewiston, Idaho. He was assigned to the 248th Engineer Battalion, which later reorganized into the 116th Engineer Battalion, for 13 years. He served two tours as a platoon leader; one tour as the Battalion Support and Service Officer; two tours as Company Commander, one tour as the S-1 and two tours as the S-2. Iin 1981 when he became the full-time Budget Officer for the Army National Guard.
Major General Lafrenz was selected as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel in 1990. He was reassigned in 1993, as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations. He was selected in 1994 to take over as the position of USPFO of Idaho and served in that capacity from December 1995 until June 1996. On July 1, 1996, General Lafrenz assumed command of the 116th Cavalry Brigade, and on April 10, 1999 was appointed as the Deputy Commanding General, Idaho Army National Guard. He was appointed the Adjutant General of Idaho January 15, 2005.”
Lafrenz retired from Guard in late 2009.
