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BORN
1940
DIED
2024
Larry Dreesman Obituary
Larry Robert Dreesman
December 21, 1940 - March 26, 2024
GRUNDY CENTER - Larry Robert Dreesman, 83, of Grundy Center, Iowa passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Larry was born on December 21, 1940, to Glenn and Edris Dreesman. Larry graduated from Dike High School and following graduation spent 3 years in the Army. On December 21, 1961, he married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Bakker, and they recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. Larry and Joyce were longtime members of Lincoln Center Christian Reformed Church.
Larry spent 17 years as the manager of the Church of Brethren Camp Pine Lake in Eldora, IA. During the first 5 years his father, Glenn, worked beside him, and he often said those were some of the most enjoyable times in his life.
Larry loved spending time with his grandchildren, and they also loved spending time with him. The family had a week at "cousin camp" every year where the grandkids were able to play carpet pool, go fishing and canoeing, and generally "just be kids." Grandpa taught them all how to drive the blue golf cart – whereupon they each received their own personal key after passing his driving test.
Grandpa and Grandma often raced from one end of the country to the other taking in as many dance, soccer, football, and lacrosse games as they could. They enjoyed it all.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Edris. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, his children Todd (Deb) Dreesman of Roswell, GA, Sue (Archie) Neilson of Poway, CA. Also, his grandchildren, AJ Neilson of Escondido, CA; Thomas (Madison) Dreesman of Cumming, GA; Nicole (Ben) Goulet of Surprise, AZ; Madie Dreesman of Atlanta, GA; Briana Neilson of Poway, CA; and Caroline Dreesman of Roswell, GA. Other survivors include a brother like no other, Lance (Terry) Dreesman of Apache Junction, AZ, and many lifelong Iowa friends.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.iowacremation.com under Obituaries.
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Dreesman
Diane Sittig
May 28, 2024
Love and prayers to Joyce and family. We appreciate so much all that you both gave to the Camp! Larry worked hard but always had a smile.....
Barbara Wise Lewczak
May 24, 2024
So sad to miss Larry's service today. You both are a treasure to Thomas and me. You and Larry are a blessing to us all miss you love and prayers always
Lyle Leeper
April 6, 2024
Sorry for your loss, Joyce.
Always enjoyed working with, Larry for many years. We have fond memories of our trip to the Bahamas with you and Larry.
It was a Pleasure and Honor to have Larry as a friend.
Lyle & Elaine Leeper
Sophia Gingrich
April 6, 2024
I´m so sorry for your loss Joyce. I have very fun memories driving around on the camp golf cart with Larry when I was a kid. He was my very first driving instructor.
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Rhonda Pittman Gingrich
April 5, 2024
Joyce, so sorry for your loss. Larry was a wonderful man, with a humble spirit and a huge heart. He taught our daughters to drive the blue golf cart at Camp Pine Lake, too.
Mary Jo Pint
April 2, 2024
Joyce, so sorry for your loss. May Larry rest in peace.
Jo Pint
Cathy Soto
March 29, 2024
Larry and Joyce always came to the birthday parties for my son Eric and daughter Eliana. When we were growing up as kids we would go to their house and play games. It was always a fun time. Larry was a special friend of our family my condolences. Cathy , Ellie and Eric Soto
Aka Cathy Mohler
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