Obituary for Larry Jay Dobberthein

Larry Jay Dobberthein, 83, of Melrose passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at his home at Lake Rathbun in Melrose, Iowa. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Larry was born December 1, 1940, in Des Moines, Iowa; to Katherine Elizabeth (Sweeney) Dobberthein and Oliver John Dobberthein along with a twin sister Mary. Their beginning was precarious but both survived and joined their brothers and sisters. He grew up in Clive, Iowa and later moved to Des Moines, Iowa and then to Melrose, Iowa.

Larry was united in marriage to Judy Marie Horejsi on May 26, 1962, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa. The union was blessed with two children, Cathy, and Joseph.

His lack of a formal education was made up for by his inquisitive nature, thirst for knowledge and uncanny mechanical aptitude allowing him the ability to troubleshoot and fix almost anything.  He also possessed a confident, smooth-talking ability helping him to persuade most to see his point of view.

He was self-motivated and successful in the construction industry and retired as a field supervisor.  He was a 60-year member of the International Union of Operating Engineers.  Post retirement from construction, he and his wife purchased a small farm near Lake Rathbun and became farmers.

Larry and his family made a home in Des Moines for many years and then decided to move to Lake Rathbun. Larry designed and with the help of family and friends built the house they live in. They loved life and living at Lake Rathbun.

Larry enjoyed watching western movies and television programs, keeping up with his children, grandchildren, friends and other family members, always keeping tabs and wanting to be “in the know”.

Larry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judy Dobberthein; his two children, Cathy (Chuck) Sinclair of Carlisle and Joseph (Tina) Dobberthein of Chariton; six grandchildren, three great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver, and Katherine Dobberthein; and seven siblings; Verle Dobberthein, Barbara Cook, Shirley Cook, Tom Dobberthein, Joe Dobberthein, John Dobberthein and Mary Deragowski.

Larry has been cremated and a Celebration of Life service is planned for July 6^th, additional details will be announced in the near future. Condolences may be left directly to the family by visiting www.IowaCremation.com under Obituaries.