Larry Dean Ziegenfuss, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at home on February 22, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on August 18, 1934, in Rush Springs, Oklahoma, to Ruth and Jesse Allen Ziegenfuss and grew up in Portales, New Mexico.

Larry built a life defined by dedication, craftsmanship, and deep commitment to his family. Starting in 1952, he worked with Mountain Bell Telephone Company, where he wore many hats and was respected for his leadership and strong work ethic. Outside of work, he found great joy in carpentry, hunting, camping, fishing, boating, and restoring antique cars—building, repairing, and "riggin' things" with the same care and precision he brought to every aspect of his life. After 34 years with the telephone company, Larry and his wife, June, retired to Las Cruces, where he built their forever home with the help of June, family, and friends.

Family was at the heart of everything Larry did—and he was the heart of his family. He is

survived by June, his wife of 72 years; they married in 1953 and shared a lifelong partnership that was the cornerstone of their family that followed. He is also survived by his daughters, Rhonna Ziegenfuss and Cindy Ziegenfuss; his son, Joseph Ziegenfuss (Lezlie); his sister, Darlene Breech; his grandchildren, Stephanie McDougle (Sean), Anthony Holguin (Danielle), Brian Head, and Mikael Johnson; his great-grandchildren, Danica McDougle, Angel and Embry Gonzales, and Jasmine and Mikayla (Ice) Johnson; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Allen and Benny Ziegenfuss; his mother- and father-in-law, Sotero and Beatrice Sanchez; his brothers- and sisters-in-law from the Ziegenfuss and Sanchez families; and his granddaughter, Ashley Johnson.

At 19 years-old, Larry became a Catholic and was a proud member of Holy Cross Catholic Church.

A prayer vigil will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1327 N. Miranda Street, Las Cruces, NM. Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 9:30 am, immediately followed by Mass at 10:00am. Interment and the Rite of Committal will take place at Gate of Heaven Mausoleum in Albuquerque, NM, at a later date.

Larry's legacy lives on in the family and friends he cherished, the beautiful home he built, and the love he shared generously throughout his long and meaningful life.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com