Obituary: Larry Agenbroad, geology emeritus professor

Larry Agenbroad, former professor of geology and paleontology, died Oct. 31, 2014. He was 81.

Dr. Agenbroad was born on his family’s farm in Idaho on April 3, 1933, to Richard and Jenny Agenbroad. He was the youngest son in a family of three brothers and three sisters. He received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Arizona.

Dr. Angenbroad had a long and distinguished career as a researcher, professor and mentor. He taught at Chadron State College from 1968-1978. He joined Northern Arizona University in 1978 were he served as professor of geology and paleontology. At NAU he created and directed the Quaternary Studies Program and served as the principal investigator and director of the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, S.D., the world’s largest Columbian mammoth exhibit and research center for Pleistocene studies.

Dr. Agenbroad was a published author and frequent contributor to scientific journals. He was featured in documentaries such as the Discovery Channel’s “Raising the Mammoth,” “Walking With Prehistoric Beasts” and “Titans of the Ice Age.” His research included the Hudson-Meng Bison Kill Site in Nebraska, Bechan Cave in Utah, Five Fingers Bison Kill site in Idaho, Murray Springs and Lehner Ranch Mammoth kill sites in Arizona, the pygmy mammoths of the Channel Islands of California and the frozen mammoths of the Siberian Steppe. Through his international research endeavors, often with his family by his side, his name has become synonymous with ‘Ice Age Mammoths.’

In 1996, Dr. Agenbroad received the Geological Society of America’s Rip Rapp Archaeological Geology Award. He also received the Lowell Thomas Award from The Explorers Club for Lifetime Scientific Achievement in 2005.

Dr. Angenbroad took great pride in the successes of his former students. Colleagues and students alike will miss his love of teaching, care for others, deep laugh and his ever-present sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda; his sons, Brett (Maria) and Finn (Heidi); and his grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held for Dr. Agenbroad at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Hot Springs Mueller Civic Center. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to the Larry Agenbroad Legacy Fund for Research, Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, S.D., PO Box 692, Hot Springs SD 57747.

Online condolences may be made here.