Larry Diekema

Larry Diekema, a lifelong resident of Monroe, Iowa, passed away on February 10, 2022.

He started romancing Carol Ann (Hjortshoj) in 1956, and they married on March 6, 1959. Surprising everyone in town, they remained happily married for 63 years. They had three children, Cary (Wendy) Diekema, Connie Diekema, and Lance (Janna) Diekema; four grandchildren:  Mia Diekema, Brennan (Alex) Eaton, Ross (Jacey) Winget, and Kelsey (Austin) Lazella, four great grandchildren: Jaxton Diekema, Aria Diekema, Hutxyn Lazella, and Gibson Lazella.

He was forever grateful that Carol’s brothers and sister-in-laws were also his family:  Paul and June Hjortshoj, Darrell and Karlin Hjortshoj, and John and Sharon Hjortshoj.  His multiple nieces and nephews loved teasing him endlessly, and he reciprocated at every opportunity.

Larry graduated from Monroe High School in 1956.  He worked in the shipping and receiving department at Armstrong Tire and Rubber for 28 years and then started a second career at Van Ryswyk Heating and Plumbing, working there for another 25+ years.  He was a proud member of the Monroe United Methodist Church, Monroe Kiwanis Club and Kane’s Coffee Club.

He was known for being a good friend, a hard worker and often doing things that would make everyone just snicker and shake their heads.

He very much enjoyed giving unsolicited advice, supervising other people’s projects, and attending auctions buying random boxes of “good junk” he didn’t need and would never use.

Larry will be reunited with his parents Jake and Inez Diekema, his sister Nancy Diekema, as well as his beloved Max who has been waiting patiently for him.

The family would like to thank the staff at Nelson Manor in Newton, Iowa.  They provided professional, caring services to him. 

A celebration of life will be held in the spring.  The family requests no flowers.  Memorials can be directed to Monroe United Methodist Church or Monroe Library.