Larry Vern Lagle

Larry Vern Lagle, passed away on July 24, 2024, just shy of his 87th birthday at Van Buren County Health Care Center in Keosauqua. Born on July 29, 1937, in Van Buren County, Larry was a man whose life was as rich and fertile as the Iowa soil he so lovingly tended.
Larry's early days were spent on the family farm, instilling in him a love for the land that would last a lifetime. He attended local schools and graduated from Troy High School in 1955. The following year, Larry's life blossomed when he married his sweetheart, Shirley Jean Fickel at the Pulaski Church parsonage on April 19, 1958.
Known for his strong work ethic, Larry embarked on a career with Strother Construction Company, skillfully contributing to Iowa's infrastructure. During winters, he worked in the coal mines, and his industrious nature led him to farm in his spare time. This determination enabled him to become a fulltime farmer in 1966. In 1990 he started working for the Wapello County Secondary Road Department, a role he fulfilled until his well-deserved retirement at the age of 80. He took pride in having the best roads in Wapello County. During this time, he continued to farm with a focus on raising cattle, a source of joy.
Larry's joy was multiplied through his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with whom he shared countless playful moments. His love for heritage and tradition shone through his attendance at local events like the Old Threshers in Mount Pleasant and the Old Iron Show in Eldon, which he attended with unwavering enthusiasm.
Larry's life was marked by the bonds he formed with numerous friends, each of whom felt the warmth and generosity of his presence. His community, built on shared experiences and mutual respect, will remember him as a man who stood as steadfast and reliable as the land he so cherished.
Left to honor Larry's legacy are his devoted wife, Shirley; his son, Kenny Lagle (Jakki) of Eldon; his daughters, Lisa Richmond of Altoona and Becky Goehring (Bill) of Libertyville; and a lineage of love spanning fifteen grandchildren Beth Richmond Trail (Josh), Erin Richmond Killam (Trent), Curtis Goehring (Lauren), Lucas Goehring (Cody), Ted Goehring (Rachelle), Colby Goehring, Kaylynn Wymer (Jason), Shelby Jay (Christopher), Josie Lagle, Fonzi Short (Shirley Skinner), Aaron Short (Kari), Nikki Shepard (Dakota), Ty Short, Cheyenne Thibault (Matt) and Randi Harris (Joseph) and thirty great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vern Henry and Freda Mae Brooks Lagle; his son, Dennis Lavern Lagle; his sisters, Catherine Downing and Rowena Mathias; his brothers-in-law, Dale Downing and Junior Mathias and a son-in-law, Keith Richmond.
Visitation with Larry's family will be held on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Living Hope Bible Church in Eldon from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The funeral service will take place the following day, Monday, July 29, 2024, at 10:30 AM at the same church, with interment to follow at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Douds. Memorials to the Old Iron Show in Eldon may be left at the church or mailed to the family at 2634 Clearwood Avenue, Libertyville, IA 52567. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.