Larry A. Maize, 81, of Tioga, ND passed away on June 30, 2026 at the Tioga Medical Center.

He was born on February 4, 1945 to Sterling and Imogene (Steele) Maize in Michigan. Larry attended school in Michigan until his enlistment in the United States Army from 1967-1969. There he served both as a helicopter door gunner and as military police officer. Larry’s first marriage to Barbara produced 4 children: Jeff, Kevin, Chris and Jenny. He later met Connie Hay in December of 1979 in Harlen, MT where he took his first police officer position. They were married on March 1, 1980, and have shared 46 wonderful, laughter-filled years.

On July 1, 1982, the pair moved to Tioga, ND where Larry accepted a job as the Chief of Police. He faithfully served his community for 38 years. He also served his community as a first responder. Most of all, Larry loved being Santa Clause each year, devotedly going door-to-door on Christmas Eve with Connie as Mrs. Clause, handing out gifts to the children of Tioga.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Sterling and Imogene Maize; his sister, Helen Mace; nephew, John Heymes; sisters-in-law, Judy and Karen; and a beloved dog, Annie.

He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Connie Maize; his children, Chris, Kevin, Jeff and Jenny; his nephew, Dave Heymes; his niece, Brenda Heymes; his niece-in-law, Fred Heymes; his sisters-in-law, Patty (Greg) DeSaye, and Linda (John) Malley; his brother-in-law, Blaine (Marissa) Hay; along with his adopted grand-daughter, Shawna Stern; and a faithful dog, Ace.