Larry Collum

Lawrence “Larry” Collum, age 78, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on the evening of January 31, 2026 at home under the care of Iowa River Hospice.

Private graveside services for Larry will be held at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell, Iowa. A family-led celebration of life will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 at the Elk Lodge in Grinnell from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Larry’s name may be directed to the family for a later designation. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Lawrence Michael Collum was born April 21, 1947 in Grinnell, Iowa. He was the oldest of six children born to Bruce and Virginia “Irene” (Leighty) Collum. Larry grew up in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School in 1965. Upon graduation, Larry enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as a Sergent until being honorably discharged from service in 1969.

Larry was known as a Master Bricklayer and Stonemason. He began his work after returning home from the service working alongside his father and his brothers. On December 5, 1975, he married the love of his life, Judith Gaile (Betts) Ware. Together they combined their families and Larry gained three children, Kelli, Kraig and Ed. They made a home together in Marshalltown, Iowa. Over the years, Larry’s career took him to many opportunities. He supervised and worked for various masonry companies throughout central Iowa until his retirement. Larry was a member of the Brick Layers Union and the American Legion.

In his free time, he enjoyed many summer afternoons at the American Legion Golf Course, was known as an accomplished pool player, and enjoyed playing poker. He was an avid supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes along with following many teams on the collegiate level. Larry was naturally curious with a knack for meaningful conversation and was a lifelong learner who could connect with anyone.

Those left to remember and cherish his memory are his children, Kelli Buresh of Marshalltown, IA, Kraig (Christine) Ware of Ogden, UT and Ed (Julie) Ware of Jonesboro, AR; his grandchildren, Brittni (Jeremy) Williamson, Nikki Buresh, Mallori (Jason) Schafer, Erika (Lawrence) Rimbert, Caitlin (Alberto) Ocampo and Logan (Kaitie) Ware; great-grandchildren, Cole Williamson, Guy Buresh-Opada, Vida and Lorenzo Rimbert and Emma, Frances and Penelope Ware. Additionally, he is survived by his siblings, Shawn (Kathy) Collum, David (Angie) Collum, Diane Collum and Lynn Collum; alongside with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gaile Collum; parents, Bruce and Irene Collum-Greer, Jack Greer (stepfather) and his brother, Tim (Christine) Collum.