Larry G. Longren

Larry G. Longren, 78, of Newton, died Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, at Skiff Medical Center. A funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29 at the funeral home. The family request in lieu of flowers memorials to the Jasper County Animal Rescue League or in Larry’s name to be used for Jasper County Conservation efforts may be left at the funeral home.

Larry, the son of Carroll V. and Mary (Peters) Longren, was born May 13, 1937, in Newton. He was a lifelong resident of Newton, graduating from Newton High School in 1955. On April 4, 1959, Larry was united in marriage with Marilyn L. Meier in Baxter. Larry worked for Peters Construction in Newton for many years as a superintendent and vice-president. In the mid 1980’s, Larry opened Longren Construction, which he operated until his retirement in 2008. During that time, he laid block and brick in many buildings throughout Newton including the YMCA, Newton High School, Jasper County Bank and the County Home to name a few. He also laid the brick for many area signs including the high school, Lambs Grove, McDonalds and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. As a bricklayer, Larry donated his skills to many memorial benches around Newton, and also to the brick walkway that leads to the Veteran’s memorial at the Jasper County Courthouse.

Larry was a member and past board member of Ducks Unlimited and the Emerson Hough Chapter of the Izaak Walton League. He also was a member of the Bricklayer’s Union. Larry was an avid duck hunter and enjoyed hunting with Tony, Curt and Connor. He also enjoyed fishing and cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes and the St. Louis Cardinals. Larry was a big supporter of his children, grandchildren and community activities. He enjoyed coaching his children in baseball and softball and always attended his grandchildren’s events.

Those left to honor Larry’s memory are his children, Shelly (John) Barker of Newton, Missy (Curt) Hodges of Newton, and Tony (Glenda) Longren of Pleasant Hill; grandchildren, Melanie (Dave) Humphrey of Newton, Brandon Barker in the U.S. Navy, Blaine Barker (Noella Van Brogen) of Newton, Chelsie (Alex) Modlin of Newton, Mackenzie Hodges (Josh Bates) of North Liberty, MaKayla Longren of Pleasant Hill, and Connor Longren of Pleasant Hill; and his great-grandchildren, Madison, Rylan, Gabbie and Jagger. He was preceded in death by his father, Carroll Longren; mother and step-father, Mary and Lyle Ferguson; and his wife, Marilyn Longren in 2012.