Larry Ernest Torbet

Larry Ernest Torbet, 84, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, at The Bluffs, surrounded by his loving family.

A private memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel.

Larry was born on October 1, 1940, in Perry, Iowa, to the late Donald and Gladys (Noack) Torbet. On June 4, 1963, he married the love of his life, Shirley Ringgenberg, also in Perry. He earned his bachelor's degree in marketing from Simpson College in 1963 and went on to serve in the National Guard from 1963 to 1969. Larry enjoyed a long and successful career with MFA Incorporated, retiring in 2001 as Manager of the Market Expansion Division after more than 20 years of dedicated service.

Family was at the heart of Larry's life. He cherished spending time with his family, golfing, camping, canoeing, fishing in ponds, lakes, and rivers, and enjoying numerous memorable trips to Canada. He especially enjoyed hosting fish fries, family barbecues, and never passed up a scoop of ice cream. Larry also looked forward to weekly lunches with his close friends, affectionately known as "The Three Amigos."

For over 25 years, Larry and Shirley made annual trips to Gulf Shores, Alabama, where they walked the beach collecting seashells and volunteered with the Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Program, helping to protect and release baby sea turtles.

A lifelong learner and avid reader, Larry enjoyed following the stock market and sharing his financial insights with his children. He and his youngest son, Jared, developed a strong bond over many years of video gaming and, more recently, watching every episode of The Walking Dead together. They truly enjoyed spending time together.

Larry was known for his calm, thoughtful nature-a steady and gentle presence, who never sought more than he had and appreciated life's simple gifts. In his later years, he found joy walking nature trails with his wife and children, tending to backyard bird feeders, and observing wildlife, especially the Trumpet Swan at the local park. He also admired the quiet beauty of the historic Big Bur Oak Tree and the Old Covered Bridge.

More than anything, Larry lived for his family, who remained at the center of his life and by his side until the end.

Larry is survived by his children, Julie Molstead (Jim), Jodie Kovar (Jeff), Jeff Torbet (Patty), Jennifer Torbet and Jared Torbet (Christina); nine grandchildren, Parker Dunn (Chelsea), Julie White (Adam), Nathan Molstead (Hailey), Molly Laws (John), Chandler Kovar (Taylor), Jason Minteer (Carrie), Lexi Ussery, Ashlyne Ussery, and Jaden Torbet; eleven great grandchildren.

Memorial Contributions are suggested to The Bluffs Foundation, c/o Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel, 1610 N. Garth Ave., Columbia, MO 65202.