Lawrence Crouse

Larry was born in Boone, IA, on October 7, 1940 to Paul and Ruth (Smith) Crouse.

Larry grew up in Denison and Carroll, IA. At the age of 16, Larry began driving truck loads for Omar Bread. He would drive from Carroll to Fort Dodge. He drove Christmas trees from South Dakota, truck loads to Chicago and smaller loads throughout Iowa all while he was still in high school. He graduated in 1958.

While living in California, Larry learned how to skydive. He had over 500 jumps in his lifetime. He created a flight jump uniform and was on the cover of a skydiving magazine. He jumped as part of a group known as the San Joaquin Sky Divers Club. He had two separate jump fails both shattering his leg/ankle.

He moved back to Omaha and started Nebraska-Iowa-Express (NIX). He met Rose Braun in Omaha, NE. He knew he wanted to marry her the first time he saw her and told her that one day her last name would be Crouse. NIX ran to Kansas City, Denver, Sioux City, Ogalalla, Scottsbluff, Cheyenne, Casper, Kimball, Sydney, St. Joe, Nebraska City and Fall City. In November of 1969, was the grand opening of the dock in Council Bluffs, IA. At the height of NIX there were 350-400 employees. He also owned Corrugated Carriers. In 1979-1980, he was the president of the Nebraska Motor Carriers Association.

In the early 1970’s, Larry became interested in hunting. His father-in-law, Gus, took him to Keya Paha County in Nebraska. In 1982, Larry and Rose purchased a ranch along the Keya Paha River. Also, in 1982, Larry closed the doors to NIX and bought a warehouse down the street from the Council Bluffs dock and began CDL warehouses. He sold many of the docks that he owned across Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Illinois. In 1983, Larry purchased Sunnyside Stables in Elkhorn, NE, where he boarded many of the Shiners B Patrol horses along with his own.

He was active in many charities including becoming a Mason, a Shriner, founded a golf fundraiser for mentally handicapped children, hosted wild game feeds as fundraisers and was a devout Christian. In his 70’s, he helped build the First Baptist Church in Winner, SD.

Lawrence (Larry) Donald Crouse, age 80, of Burke, SD passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2021.

Larry is survived by his wife Rose; his children and families: Bob of Arizona, Lisa (Simon) of Texas, Lynda (Todd) of Washington, Lori (Dean) of Colorado, and Mark (Angie) of Arizona; and three grandchildren: Ashley of Alabama, Tristan of Washington and Jordan of Colorado.