Larry Lee Vander Tuig

July 27,1943 - March 23, 2024

Memorial Service and Celebration

A memorial service will be held at Iles Westover Chapel on Friday, May 3rd at 3:30 pm. The visitation will begin at 3:00 pm. The service will be livestreamed which you can view at the bottom of Larry's obituary page 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the service. Golf attire is encouraged given Larry's love of the game and easy-going approach to life. Following, the family is hosting a social event to celebrate Larry at Des Moines Golf and Country Club from 4:30-7:00 pm. Family and friends should follow event signage and bring a light jacket for possible outdoor event. Dinner and drinks provided.

Internment at Resthaven columbarium will take place in a private family ceremony on Saturday, May 4th.

Larry Vander Tuig, son of Mitchel and Matilda Vander Tuig, was born on July 27, 1943, in Primghar, Iowa. His childhood years encompassed baseball, basketball, church, and the beginnings of numerous friendships.

Larry started his career with Equitable of Iowa in 1964 as a life insurance agent, ultimately landing at the Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa in 1972 where he advanced into the role of Executive Director until 2002 when he retired. There, he also served as President of the Independent Insurance Agents Association Executives, and the Iowa Society of Association Executives, as well as serving on many task forces and committees for the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. At that time, he managed one of the largest associations in the country. Larry often advocated for insurance education, maintaining and running many programs needed by association members. He reminisced of his career with pride and fondness. Larry loved the insurance business, building relationships, planning big events, engaging with his "incredible" staff, and traveling with his peers and their families to national conferences.

Larry's social nature rewarded him with rich friendships, weekly card games, routine golf competitions, Hawkeye and Cyclone matches and always-by-his-side supporters in his later years as he struggled with dementia and its related impacts. Gratitude and love to those who lifted him during his past couple years at Morningstar Assisted Living. He loved visits, drives, lunches out and conversations about the past.

Larry remained friends with Diane Vander Tuig, his wife from 1965-1996 and mother of his two children. Family was always most important to him. In 2002 Larry married Kathy Vander Tuig, with whom he enjoyed 4 years of traveling, residing in the deserts of Arizona, hosting family gatherings and just being happy together. Larry had hoped to grow old with Kathy; her unexpected passing was very difficult for him. Our combined families are comforted knowing they are now reunited.

Larry will be remembered as kind-hearted, loyal, humorous, outgoing, honest and generous. He had an uncanny way with numbers, could play golf at least 3-4 times a week, was a natural athlete and a very proud father and grandfather. He loved hearing about the successes of all his grandkids and beamed from ear to ear on any recent news. He will be greatly missed and often thought of.

Larry's family includes two children: Kris Larson (Kevin Purnell) of Plymouth, MN and Tracey Peterson (Rick Swenson) of Windsor Heights, IA; two step children: Kate Evans (Tim) and Charlie Farrell; grandchildren: Jamie (Chris), Alex, Jenna, and Shea; one step grandchild Allison; and his bonus grandchildren from earlier days: Jessica and Zach. Larry also has two siblings Linda Walvoord (Doug) of Primghar, Iowa, Bob Vander Tuig (Laurie) of Spencer, Iowa; First wife and friend Diane Vander Tuig; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceded in death by his second wife, Kathy Vander Tuig; sister-in-law Becky Vander Tuig; son-in-law Scott Larson; parents, Mitch and Matilda Vander Tuig; and many aunts, uncles and dear friends.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Avera Foundation PO Box 5045, Sioux Falls, SD 57117 refer to the Becky Vander Tuig Endowment.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel
Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel
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