Lawrence "Larry" Meester

Ellsworth, MN

     Lawrence “Larry” Meester age 54 of Ellsworth, Minnesota died Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Avera Merrill Pioneer Hospital in Rock Rapids, Iowa.

     Visitation with viewing will be Monday, December 26^th from 2:00 to 7:00 PM with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids.  A time of prayer will take place at 5:00 PM with Reverend Scott Van Ravenswaay.

     Burial will take place in the spring at Bethel Reformed Church Cemetery, rural Little Rock, Iowa.

     In lieu of flowers, the family has requested any pictures you may have of Larry be brought to the visitation.

Lawrence "Larry" Henry Meester was born May 22, 1968 in Hawarden, Iowa, the son of Gary and Judy (Skillman) Meester. He grew up in George until he was 3 years old when they moved to Ellsworth, Mn. He attended Ellsworth Community School and graduated 1988.

After graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Gwen DeBeer on October 22, 1988. They moved to Rock Rapids, before moving to Ellsworth, MN. It was in Ellsworth that they made their home and welcomed their two children, Samantha and Riley.

Larry worked at Sudenga Industries and also worked at Case IH. He owned his own sheet rocking business for many years and enjoyed taking on new projects! He most recently worked as Maintenance Supervisor at Rock Rapids Health Centre. He wore many hats at the Health Centre, and most recently was enjoying making made to order breakfasts for the residents before starting his maintenance duties for the day. The residents and staff always knew they could count on Larry in their time of need! He will be deeply missed by his co-workers and residents alike.

Larry enjoyed racing cars in his early years, playing dart league with his crew of his friends, and going camping with his friends and family. His family would expect another injury when he would return from dart league. Whether it be a dislocated shoulder or a broken leg, he and his friends were a rowdy bunch! He really enjoyed spending time grilling and having garage parties with his family and friends in the summer time. You could always find "Meester" standing by the grill with a Bud Light in hand making up some burgers and brats for the whole crew. Though he was forced into camping by his wife, Gwen, it ended up being one of the best summers spent with all of his favorite people.

After losing his wife, Gwen, in 2013, Larry worked hard to keep himself busy and in his more recent years, he enjoyed spoiling his two grandkids, Elizabeth and Everhett, and lending a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Samantha (Gaje) Sammons and their children Elizabeth and Everhett Sammons of Rock Rapids, his Son, Riley Meester of Ellsworth MN, his Mother, Judith Meester of Sioux Falls, his Sister, Dawn (Michael) VanDenTop of Rock Rapids, and Brother Nick Meester of Sioux Falls. As well as nephews, nieces, cousins, and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gwen; father, Gary; Aunt and Uncle Lynn (Ron) Hinrichs; and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

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