"Denise and Angie - Your Dad was always a joy to visit with and I will enjoy my fine memories of him. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family ..."
Larry Van Dalen, age 73 of Monroe, passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. A celebration of Larry's life will be held on Friday April 21, 2017, from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. at the Monroe American Legion. Per his wishes, Larry was cremated and a private family burial will take place at Mt Zion Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Monroe Emergency Unit, Monroe Volunteer Fire Department or the Jasper County Animal Rescue League. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com
The son of Wayne and Valeta (Gifford) Van Dalen, Larry was born on September 8, 1943, in Newton. He graduated from Newton High School in 1962. On March 16, 1985, he was united in Marriage to Fern Van Wyk. Larry sold Featherlite Trailers for over 20 years. He also was a livestock buyer. Larry enjoyed horses, riding mules and dogs. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife Fern; three children, Angie (Gene) Gettys of Harlan, Denise (Bob) Williams of Newton, and Greg (Angie) Van Dalen of Newton; four step children, Todd (Bonnie) Terpstra of Newton, Krista (Ron) Van Wyngarden of Monroe, Jodi (Mike) Lanphier of Reasnor and Jill (Cameron) McGinley of Pella; eight grandchildren, Alexandria and Nathan Gettys, Bailey and Baker Zegers, Maggie Williams; Sara, Megan and Jacob Van Dalen; 14 step grandchildren; eight step great grandchildren; a brother, Lehrl (Judy Brodersen) of Monroe and a sister, Barbara Hickey of Newton; a sister-in-law, Rosalie DeZwarte of West Des Moines. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Lois Van Dalen and a brother-in-law, Carroll DeZwarte.
"Denise and Angie - Your Dad was always a joy to visit with and I will enjoy my fine memories of him. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family ..."
"From Uncle Vern & Aunt Doris To Larry's Family--Sorry for your loss. Larry and Lehrl were more like little brothers than nephews. A lot of time was shared together while we were growing up. Thankful for all of the good memories over the years."
"I am so very sorry to the hear of Larry's passing. He was a wonderful guy and I enjoyed when I got to see him and visit for even a few minutes. His smile and humor will be missed. My condolences to his children, wife Fern and extended family. "
"Fern- although I'm pretty sure I never heard him actually call you Fern, so many memories of Larry, I wouldn't know where to start! ! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family- we will be sending a tribute to Animal Rescue League in memory of Larry. He will be greatly missed by everyone."
"So sorry for your loss. Rodney and Sharon Dykstra "
"I'm so sorry to have learned of Larry's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Larry and Cindy"
"So sorry for your loss Larry will be missed by all."
"Denise and Angie, so sorry for your loss. Thinking of You Chrisann Funk"
"So sorry for your's and the families loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. From: Cindy Schneider. aka. Hawkins"
"So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"Van was a great guy!! He will be missed by all!! Enjoyed all the stories and trips to warm weather and working events and shows with him!!"
"Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. ? Larry will be missed! He was such a great guy who you thought might be Groucho marks but he was a big teddy bear. I always looked forward to the girls in the clinic say, "it's Larry and he only wants to talk to is, Miss Cindy". If he was having a bad day we would talk and we would both be smiling by the end of our conversation! RIP my friend...till we meet again!"
"My heart is breaking as I know many others are as well. There are no words to describe the loss of my very close and long time friend Larry. He was one of a kind, always there when I needed him. He could always make me laugh and had such a unique way of saying my very simple name...."Janie". I can just hear him now. Our memories will be cherished and he can never be replaced. To use the words from my son ...."he was a good one". That sums it up. My friend, I will miss you. I will miss our crazy conversations and all the laughs we shared. R.I.P. "big Lar". I'll always love you....until we can laugh together again.....Janie"