Larry R. Wingert

1953 - 2025

Larry R. Wingert

December 15, 1953 - November 28, 2025

Larry Raymond Wingert was born on December 15, 1953, in Harlan, Iowa to the late Anthony "Tony" and Rosemary (Freund) Wingert. The second of seven children, he grew up on the family farm outside Portsmouth and graduated from Harlan High School in 1972 where he was active in the Future Farmers of America (FFA). In 1978 he married Shirley Hipsher, and they were blessed with one son, Kenneth.

Larry's work bridged two contradictory loves. He was happiest both on the open road behind the wheel of a semi and contorted under or inside a piece of farm equipment. If something needed fixed, or just tinkered with, Larry was your man. He worked for over a decade as a mechanic and truck driver at Avoca Implement before opening his own shop, K&L Repair, and later hauling for Lyman-Richey and various local trucking companies as an independent driver. Over his career he restored well over a hundred tractors and repaired countless others.

Larry was active in the community, assisting with the Shelby 4-H Club and coaching Little League, as well as helping to run pedal tractor pulls for kids at Carstens Farm and other local events. Perhaps his best-known role was organizing and promoting the Demolition Derby at the East Pottawattamie County Fair for over 20 years. The list of drivers who tried to sneak a liberal interpretation of the rules past "Sleeveless Larry" only to be scolded that they should know better is both long and distinguished.

In his free time, Larry loved the outdoors, hunting or trapping any animal there was a season for, no matter what the weather. Seeing others succeed in the field, even if it meant that he never took a shot himself, gave him great joy. He was a proud grandpa to Anneliese and Henry, and he cherished the times he got to take them fishing. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, mischievous sense of humor, and his inability to suffer fools. He never met a stranger and would always offer a helping hand whether you had just met or known him your whole life.

Larry passed away November 28, 2025, at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn at the age of 71.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his infant sister, Christine in 1970, sister, Marilyn Ford in 2021; brothers, Neil in 2010 and John in 2025.

Larry is survived by his son, Ken (Katy) Wingert and their children, Anneliese and Henry; former wife, Shirley Wingert; sisters, Sue Ellen Mills and Sara (Rich) Schmit; sister-in-law, Jan Wingert.

Visitation with the family, Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Avoca, IA. A lunch will immediately follow in the parish hall. Interment will be held in St. Mary's Cemetery, Portsmouth, IA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Larry's honor to the AHSTW FFA Alumni Fund c/o Midstates Bank in Avoca.