Dietrich Larry
October 15, 2008

" We had hoped to be in Keokuk to attend the services today for Larry, but are unable to be there. To Erich and Alexis and Penny, Larry was a good friend to both of us. We have many happy memories of time we spent together, from Hannibal Kiwanis Club, to sharing conversation at T.J.â??s Supper Club, and some others. We remember Larry as a happy person, usually smiling even though his life included some hardships and disappointments. But one remembrance of Larry will forever be in our memory. About 10 years ago, Larry traveled with us to drive from Missouri to Albuquerque, where Erich and our daughter Suzanne were living at the time. We had just switched drivers, and Larry was at the wheel of our car as we headed across the Texas Panhandle on a pretty remote stretch of two-lane U.S.54. Just beyond Dalhart, Texas, we noticed a vehicle coming across the center line into our lane. As the vehicle got closer and closer, it crept farther and farther into our lane and made no attempt to return to its own side of the highway. It forced us off the road, where our car spun around, crossed the highway, and ended up in a ditch on the other side of the road, facing the opposite direction we had been traveling. We later found out that the police had stopped the pickup truck that almost hit us head-on, and learned that the driver was a young man who had fallen asleep at the wheel. In the seconds that the truck was approaching our car, we were certain that we would be hit head-on, but when that did not happen, we were certain that our car would roll over. It did neither. There was no collision, no rollover, and virtually no damage to our car except for a couple of tires. To this day we believe that Larryâ??s skillful driving saved our lives. We donâ??t have words that are adequate to express our thanks and our love for Larry and what he did in our lives, but we know that his suffering is now over and he is in a better place. God bless you, Larry, and hold you in his arms. Gil & Nancy Stuenkel"

"My condolences to "Lexie" and Erich, etal. I want you to know I was saddened by the report of Larry's death; time and distance slowed but never stopped my thoughts of those long ago days. "

"Erich and Alexis, I am so very sorry to hear about Larry, although I'm sure you are relieved that he is no longer in pain. I am so glad that Alexis could be with him and help with his care during his last months. Please accept my deepest sympathies to you both. Sincerely, Suzanne"

"Alexis and Erich, I was deeply saddened to hear about your dad. I knew him more than 30 years. We first had the gas company/Kee TV connection and then I sponsosred him in Kiwanis in 1978. If I can do anything for you in Hannibal, just let me know. "

"I was saddened to hear of the death of Larry Dietrich. It has been many years since we lost track of each other but I remember many golf games at the legion in Hannibal....he often brought his young daughter Alexis with him and it was obvious there was a close connection between the two. Also remember many Kiwanis dinners and he was a delightful companion. He will be missed by many. R.I.P. "

"Alexis and Erich and all your family, We are saddened to hear of the death of Larry. Larry had such a wonderful sense of humor. We remember Larry from Key TV and Appliance. Larry sold us our first microwave when we got married. We have not seen Larry for years but do remember what a wonderful and caring person he was. We know he loved you guys alot. God bless each of you in your time of suffering. Know Larry is in in the hands of God and will not suffer anymore. Cherish those memories of your dad. They will last forever. Mary and John Freiling, Hannibal, MO"

"Erich and family - I am so very sorry to hear about your father. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Ron, Becki, Jake, Clay, and Jessica Sims"

"Alexis, So sorry to hear about your dad. I am so proud of you for taking care of him. I went through th same with my mom 3 years ago. It is hard watching them get weaker and weaker but know that he is now in a better place and free of pain. He will always be with you and the family. Watching over you. Take care and God be with you and help you during this difficult time."

"To the Larry Dietrich family - I wanted to send my condolences to your family upon hearing about your loss. I worked with Larry for several years at Heilig-Meyers Furniture in Hannibal, MO. Larry was always a joker and had a good sense of humor and I enjoyed working with him. I missed staying in touch with him, when I left, but I was sure he continued his laughter where ever he was. Please know that my sincere sympathy is with your family during this time of loss. God Bless."

"Alexis and Erich- We were very sad to read about your father. He was a wonderful man and faithful friend. I remember when we first met your Dad. He had moved to Hannibal as manager of Kee TV and our office was just a few doors down the street. We had lots of good times together. Both of your families have our sincere sympathy. Gary and Debbie Holland"

" To the family of Larry Dietrich I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. Larry and I had become very close over the years, working together at the casino. After we had both left the casino, it was always a real pleasure to maintain contact with him at Sutherlands where he and I would joke about my inability to tell the difference between a screwdriver and a hammer or which end was up on a can of paint. Often times after some of my home renovation projects, Larry, for a laugh would say, "Be sure to keep your receipt Darin". We had many, many good laughs together over the years and he will truly be missed. Please know that you have our sincere sympathy and will be in our prayers during this time of loss. Respectfully, Darin Logue, Angie Manzke, Tonya Vogel, Larry & Elke Logue and Family Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. "