Larry Blacksmith

Mr. Larry Blacksmith, 74, of Burlington died at 6:58 a.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at Great River Medical Center. Born November 16, 1942 in Kirksville, Missouri, he was the son of Jesse and Grace (Bowls) Blacksmith. On January 13, 1973 he married Mary Ellen Bontrager in their home. Mr. Blacksmith was a realtor for 42 years in Burlington with Canfield Realty and later with Century 21. He retired in 2012 and loved every minute of his retirement. Larry is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Blacksmith of Burlington; daughter, Jill Blacksmith of Englewood, Colorado; two sisters, Beverly (Joe) Reidner of Sutter, Illinois and Elizabeth (John) LaGrone of Jackson Gap, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle; his parents and his stepfather, Bill Bowls. The funeral service for Mr. Blacksmith will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 11th at Lunning Chapel. Dr. Richard Wing will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Hope Haven or St. Jude Children's Hospital. According to his wishes, cremation will be accorded following the funeral service. [more]

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