Larry Thoelke

George, IA

     Larry Thoelke age 73, of George, IA died Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at Ava's House in Sioux Falls, SD.

        Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in George, IA with Rev. John Pea & Rev. Dale Lint, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Lawn Cemetery at George, IA.

     Visitation without the family present will be Friday, December 4th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home of George.

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Larry's Funeral Folder

Larry's Livestream Link

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     Larry James Thoelke was born March 12, 1947, in Sibley, IA the son of James "Bud" and Vera (De Neui) Thoelke.  Larry grew up in George and attended George Community School.  He shared with his family many stories of the mischief he got into during his early years growing up in George. On July 7, 1967, he was united in marriage to Nancy Van Dyke at First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, IA.  They made their home in George where they raised their three daughters, Michelle, Krista and Angie.  Larry started working at Sudenga Industries when he was seventeen, starting with mowing the lawn and later working in metal fabrication for a total of fifty-six years.  He tried to retire several times, but his enjoyment of the people he worked with and the need to stay busy kept pulling him back. He finally officially retired in August 2020 due to his health. He truly enjoyed his years at Sudenga Industries and the many relationships he developed over the years.  Larry was a man of few words.  He was a good friend to many people.  Larry could build anything anybody needed out of metal. He had a mind and a talent for creating what people needed off the top of his head and would often have it done and ready the next day.  He enjoyed riding around town in his pickup or on his moped.  He also enjoyed his time with Jeff Kramer early every Saturday morning having a Coke and a doughnut.  Larry was currently serving on the George City Council and was on the George Fire Department for 15 years serving several years as chief.  He was always there for his family.  If they needed him he was there.  His love for his grandchildren was deep and unconditional.

     He is survived by his wife, Nancy Thoelke of George, IA; his daughters, Michelle (Matthew) Blum of Montevideo, MN and their son, Benjamen; Krista (Doug) Dykstra of George, IA and their children, Maitland, Courtney and Sean; and Angie Petersen of George, IA and her daughters, Karli and Dayna; one sister, Debra (LeRoy) Jasmer of Hull, IA; along with two nieces, Rachel Huyser and Rebekah LaFrenz, his Aunt Marlene DeNeui of Rushmore, MN and several cousins.

     Larry was preceded in death by his parents, James "Bud" and Vera; and his stepmother, Delores.