Larry Tharnish
Des Moines
Larry Tharnish, 78, of Des Moines died peacefully surrounded by family on February 15, 2013.
Larry was born in Des Moines, Iowa to Anna and Peter Tharnish. He married Ann Lawdahl, and enjoyed over fifty-seven wonderful years of marriage. The 'Blonde Bomber' was a member of the Dowling High School class of 1952, where he participated in baseball, football, and basketball, and perfected his famous hook shot. He then attended the University of Iowa. He worked for Anderson Erickson Dairy until 1989 and for the Meredith Family until 2007.
Larry "Pipper" is survived by his wife, Ann, three daughters, Deb (Nick Roby) Tharnish, Barb (John) King, and Laura (Kraig) Pyer. He was an involved, fun-loving grandpa to Tom, Ted, and Annie Craig; Allison (Kyle) Nielsen; Ben (Caely), Michael and Nathan Roby; and Jacob and Sam King. PomPom was his family's biggest and most loyal fan- attending nearly all of their numerous concerts, plays, sporting events, and graduation ceremonies. He was there as support for the smallest and the biggest moments in all of their lives.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Margaret and Bernadette Tharnish, Lucile Glas, Rose Whitehead, Ruby Griffin, and Anna Mae Brunk; and brother, Pete Tharnish.
Larry was also fortunate to have several life-long friends who meant the world to him.
Larry enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling everywhere from exotic locations to local spots, driving his pontoon boat up to five miles an hour at Big Creek (NO WAKE!), bird watching, pulling the slots at Prairie Meadows, attending the annual Tharnish Family Reunion, and cheering on the San Francisco Giants, the Iowa State Cyclones, and the Hoover Huskies. Larry's faith was extremely important to him, and he lived his faith in everyday life.
The family will greet friends and relatives at Iles Funeral Homes - Westover Chapel from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 with a prayer service following at 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 21, 2013, at St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church.
Memorial contributions may be made in Larry's honor to Hawthorn Hill/New Directions Shelter; Catholic Charities/St. Mary Family Center; or Food Bank of Iowa.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
My very best wishes to Ann as we go back to North High home room 207.
Howie Hilton
Friend
February 13, 2023
It was always great to see Larry, less often however, since moving to Minnesota. And I had the privilege of being in Ann's home room at North High. It is hard to believe Larry has been gone six years. His wonderful humor is missed.
Howie Hilton
Friend
February 12, 2019
We'll all miss you Grandpa, you meant so much to every one of us all these years. It's hard to think of pushing on, but we all know you want us to. I just hope, as a man who always said he had everything he ever wanted, Heaven can keep you interested. We'll all love you Pipper, now and forever.
Michael Roby
February 21, 2013
Ann and precious loved ones, so sorry for your loss. He will be missed! Blessings! Carma and Fred Glas and family
Fred Glas
February 21, 2013
Tharnish Family; As you already know and probably have heard from many others over these last days, Larry was one warm and generous soul to everyone who crossed his path. As a freshman at Dowling HS in 1951/52, Larry and Tom Goodwin were seniors. At the "pool-hall", after school, Larry and Tom treated us as "equals". Over the years Larry was always as warm and friendly. A Great Man, one to be remembered! Regards, Joe Garvey, DHS class of '55
Joe Garvey
February 20, 2013
Ken Scarpino Sr. wants to give his Sympathy to Larry's family.God Bless you Larry.
February 20, 2013
To the Tharnish Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. It was a privilege to have known Larry. His charming wit and infectious smile will forever be remembered. He took great pride in his family and would often share their accomplishments and joys with us. We will miss him deeply.
Cathy McLaughlin Tim McLaughlin
February 20, 2013
Ann--thinking of you.
Sally Bartlett
February 20, 2013
Ann & family I have know you and Larry for over 50 years. Even though we didn't see each other often I always enjoyed Larry and your company. May God be with you and your family at this difficult time. Larry will be missed.
Howie Hilton
February 19, 2013
Ann and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May you find peace in the wonderful memories your family has created and shared.
Marlene Sieck
February 19, 2013
Ann and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May you find peace in all the wonderful memories your family has created and shared.
Marlene Sieck
February 19, 2013
My sincere sympathy to the Tharnish family. I went to school with Larry and memories of him remain in my mind. He was a certified GANG member. LOL I will miss him.
Nick Talarico
February 18, 2013
I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to all the family. Cherish the memories. I have fond memories of you all from our Hoover days. Patty Bloomcamp
February 18, 2013
In memory of a wonderful person who touched so many lives with genuine love.
Ken and Chris Craig
February 18, 2013
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Jessica & Kyle Grandstaff
February 18, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the family for the passing of Larry, lovingly known as PomPom, and as a kind and gentle man with a genuine love for his family and friends. Ken will always remember the great times spent talking sports with Larry…Iowa State, Cardinals vs. Giants, or playing a game of HORSE in the driveway always fearing that dreaded hook shot! Larry will surely be missed by everyone who had the privilege to create fond memories with him and Ann.
Ken and Chris Craig
February 18, 2013
Memories of Larry, always a warm, friendly, and huggable guy causes us to have smiles, but also sadness as he will be missed. His zest for living was so contagious. He was a model for others on how to enjoy life to the FULLEST!
Lee and Tom Raines
February 18, 2013
Ann, heartfelt condolences to you and the family. May you receive the Lord's strength and comfort in this time of grief.
Harry and Claradell Gergely Shedd
Claradell Shedd
February 18, 2013
I was so sad when I heard of Larry's passing from my parents. I remember him growing up when you-all would visit our house. He was always so jolly and funny. I know my dad and mom will miss him terribly. You're in my prayers.
Kay Scarpino Merley
February 18, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. I have such great memories of Pipper and the Tharnish family! What a wonderful family man.
Julie (Cook) Gwennap
February 18, 2013
My prayers, love, and support is sent for all of his family and loved ones. PomPom made such an impact on the world with his stories, sweet nature, and love for others.
It has been a pleasure getting to know PomPom and all of the family over the past 4.5 years. I have always adored him. I have so many memories of the Tharnish-Roby gatherings in which I was able to get to know him. My favorite memory was from Michael's graduation party in which he and my father sat in the living, watching a sports game while trying to cool off from the summer heat, talking about the game and other things. Both shared a few laughs. It was a great sight and feeling to finally have someone from my family meet him. I am lucky to have been a part of PomPom's life, even for just this short amount of time. You are already missed. Much love.
Meredith Phipps
February 17, 2013
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Iles Funeral Homes - Westover Chapel6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50322
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