Obituary for Larry J. Taylor

Larry J. Taylor, 66, died peacefully, after a courageous battle against cancer, on Friday, January 13, 2017, surrounded by his family.

A visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at Living Faith Lutheran Church in Clive.  Memorial services will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the church.  Private family inurnment will be held at East Lawn Cemetery, Algona.

Larry Jon Taylor, the son of Mitch J. and Lorraine I. (Willrett) Taylor was born September 13, 1950, in Algona, Iowa.  He grew up attending Algona schools and graduated from Algona High School in 1969.  

The two-time state wrestling champion, then went on to wrestle and study at Louisiana State University (LSU) Baton Rouge.  After working various jobs in Louisiana, his dad asked him to return to Algona to work with him at the family owned business Algona Flour & Feed in September 1973.  

Shortly after his return, he met Jeanne Hauswirth, who he then married on August 24, 1974. To this union two daughters, Tina and Tracy, were born. The next 20 years were spent following them to their various activities.  After selling Algona Flour & Feed, Larry and Jeanne relocated to the Des Moines area where he finished his career working for Key Co-op in Kelly, Iowa, as an agronomist.

Larry’s passion for life and love for food and wine led him to become a culinary grill master that was enjoyed by all who had the opportunity to taste.  Often you could find Larry and Jeanne at one of the local wineries enjoying the music and having a nice glass of wine, or at an Iowa State women’s basketball game, or at the local farmer’s market, or at a broadway show at the Civic Center.

Growing up spending time at Lake Okoboji is where is his love of water began. Off to college he enjoyed the Gulf of Mexico, during retirement he loved visiting the Pacific in California, his bucket list led him to the Atlantic in Maine, and lastly the scenic views of Lake Panaroma.  

Living in a world of ‘women’, growing up with five sisters, two daughters and a wife, he was finally blessed with five grandsons, who were his pride and joy.

He is survived by his children, Tina (Patrick) Callan of Hanover, Minnesota and Tracy (Tyler) Freeburg of San Clemente, California; five grandsons: Jakob, Carter, Cade, Kael and Myles; five sisters: Linn, Jean, Jacque, JoAnn and Lisa, as well and many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mitch and Lorraine Taylor and Goddaughter, Kari Westberg.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Larry’s honor may be made to Broadlawns Oncology Department or to Living Faith Lutheran Church.