Larry Long

Rock Rapids, IA

  Larry Long age 86 of Rock Rapids, IA died Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Lyon Specialty Care in Rock Rapids, IA.

  Funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 17th, at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids. 

 Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until the hour of service at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids.

 Burial will be at the Bethany Lutheran Cemetery, Fairview, SD.

  Larry Dean Long was born June 23, 1938, at Rock Rapids, IA, son of Shannon and Lois (Jones) Long. Larry grew up at Lakewood Corner. Larry graduated from Central Lyon High School. 

 On February 14, 1959, he was united in marriage to Margaret Matzen at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids. As newlyweds they lived at Lakewood Corner and moved to Sioux Falls, SD a few years later.

 Larry was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Korea, near the demilitarized zone. After Larry’s honorable discharge the couple moved back to Sioux Falls and Larry worked for Minneapolis Moline. Larry and Margaret later moved to Valley Springs, SD, where they owned and operated L & M Grocery Store and later a café. Larry was a U.S. Rural Postal Carrier for 18 years. His route included South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota. 

  Larry and Margaret retired to Rock Rapids, IA. He enjoyed telling stories of racing go-carts on the track his father built for them at Lakewood Corner. Also enjoyed collecting, camping, traveling, attending NASCAR races and Rodeos.

  On April 27, 2021, Larry’s wife of 62 years, Margaret, died. Larry remained living and stayed active with his church and community activities, until he entered Lyon Specialty Care in March of 2024. He remained there until this past Wednesday, August 14, 2024, when he died at the age of 86.

  He is survived by his brother, Rick (Pat) Long of Rock Rapids, IA; daughter, Rhonda (Jim) Peskey and family of Florida; special friend, Karen LaMonds; sister-in-law, Rollys (Kenny) Kahl of Sioux Falls, SD; brother-in-law, Terry (Denise) Matzen of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.

  He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Long; parents, Shannon and Lois Long; daughter, Becky Long, brother, Denny (Shirley) Long; and sister-in-law, Janice (Kenny) Bosler.