LARRY KOENTOPP

Larry Koentopp passed away suddenly January 12, 2019. He was born on November 17, 1936 in Spokane, WA. He was a resident of Las Vegas since 1982, bringing the city it’s firstever Triple-A baseball franchise to Las Vegas. He was a loving Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, and Friend. Larry was a wonderful person, positive, outgoing and kind. He had a quick wit and was full of humor. Larry was always on the go and had a great deal of energy. He enjoyed working out at the gym on a daily basis and golf was one of his favorite past times. He was an active and avid sports fan. At the age of 79, he threw batting practice several days a week to his grandson, Jake. Larry was in amazing physical shape. Larry enjoyed traveling across the country, and internationally, to rate golf courses, for Golf Digest, over several decades. Larry was the majority owner of the Las Vegas Stars, bringing his Spokane Indians Triple-A Pacific Coast League franchise to Las Vegas in September 1982. The Las Vegas franchise won both of its PCL championships under his ownership in 1986 and 1988. The Stars were the recipient of the 1985 John H. Johnson President’s Award, given to the franchise for “Outstanding Club Operation.” Larry was a three-sport all-state selection at Spokane’s Gonzaga Preparatory High School. He then attended Gonzaga University where he was a standout baseball and basketball player. Upon graduation, he taught and coached in the Southern California school system before returning to Gonzaga University to serve as Head Baseball Coach. He was then promoted to Athletic Director, becoming the youngest Athletic Director in school history. Larry then took the Own er/President position with the Spokane Indians. Larry is survived by his children, Juli Koentopp, Kevin and Rita Koentopp (daughter-in-law) and Jake Koentopp (his very special Grandson), Kery Koentopp and Jack Koentopp (brother) and family. Larry was loved so very much and will be dearly missed by all. Services will be at 12:30 p.m. Tue., Jan. 29, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 5830 Mesa Park Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89135.