James "Larry" Dooley
May 28, 1936 - September 30, 2023

James Laurence "Larry" Dooley walked ahead of us on September 30, 2023. He died unexpectedly at Mary Greeley Medical Center following a brief illness, his family at his side.

Larry never met a stranger, talking easily to anyone and making instant and lifelong friendships. He made the best confetti angel food cakes to celebrate every family birthday, and the scrambled eggs he made were second to none. Just a few things we will miss, but memories we will treasure.

Larry was born to James and Evelyn (Askeland) on May 28, 1936, in Boone, Iowa as the oldest of two children. The family moved to Sheldon, Iowa where he graduated high school in 1954. After high school, he attended Iowa State University and worked in Design at the Iowa Department of Transportation. It is here that he met his future wife, Lori. Larry was not much of a conversationalist on their first date, leaving Lori to wonder if there would be a second. But Larry came through on the next, asking Lori to fly down (in his own plane) to the Des Moines airport's observation deck for coffee. The rest was history, as they say, and the two were married on October 17, 1970.

In addition to flying, Larry had a passion for marksmanship. In 1958 he served in the military where he nearly broke the all-time record at St. Leonard Wood, Missouri, firing the tough Army Standard M-1 Rifle Course. In one section of the course, the 300-yard course of fire, he shot 17 out of 17 straight bullseyes, which was a new record at that time for the army post.

His love of flying led Larry to become a commercial pilot, flight instructor, and ultimately a pilot for Iowa State University Flight Services. He rose to manage Flight Services and remained there until his retirement.
Larry loved to golf; fish; play cards 'till the wee hours, especially with Junior and Jigs at the lake cottage; and the Bears.

The greatest loves of Larry's life were his daughter, Staci and his grandkids. He never missed a sporting event, birthday, school concert, graduation, pretty much anything the kids did, rain, sleet, snow, or shine. While watching sporting events, he could be heard playfully (and sometimes not so playfully) chastising the refs for "obvious" incorrect calls on his young players, eliciting belly laughs from their parents in the stands.

As Larry walked ahead, those walking behind are his wife of 53 years, Lori Dooley; daughter, Staci (Bryan) Schnurr and grandkids, Mikayla Schnurr, Nicholas Schnurr, Ella Schnurr and Payton Schnurr of Clive, IA; sister, Patricia Hatcher of Galt, CA; brother-in-law and friend, Rick (Janet) Bowlds of Eden Prairie, MN; nieces, Tara (Bill) Biwer of Eden Prairie, MN; and Jenna (John) Lange of Shakopee, MN; nephews, Ryan (Kristen) Bowlds of Chanhassen, MN; Brett (Karly) Hatcher of Sutter Creek, CA; and Sean Hatcher of Galt, CA; and his faithful dog and buddy, Maddie. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, James Marvin and Evelyn Dooley and nephew, Gaylord Hatcher.

Larry's expertise helped provide years of safe flights for Iowa State University flyers. His kindness, caring and sense of fun made him someone you wanted as a friend. We are blessed to have him as family and are grateful he will always be in our lives. A private burial and gathering to remember the good times will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa in his name.

As a philosopher once said, "Death is nature's way of saying, "Your table is ready!" Go ahead Larry, Dad, Grandpa, take flight with wings not found on a plane and save us a seat.

Online condolences can be made to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

Tributes