Obituary for Larry Robert Dreesman

Larry Robert Dreesman, 83, of Grundy Center, Iowa passed away peacefully on Tuesday March 26, 2024. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 on Friday, May 24th, at Lincoln Center Church. A lunch will follow the service at Church of the Brethren Camp Pine Lake in Eldora, IA.  

Larry was born on December 21, 1940, to Glenn and Edris Dreesman. Larry graduated from Dike High School and following graduation spent 3 years in the Army. On December 21, 1961, he married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Bakker, and they recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. Larry and Joyce were longtime members of Lincoln Center Christian Reformed Church.

Larry spent 17 years as the manager of the Church of Brethren Camp Pine Lake in Eldora, IA. During the first 5 years his father, Glenn, worked beside him, and he often said those were some of the most enjoyable times in his life.  

Larry loved spending time with his grandchildren, and they also loved spending time with him. The family had a week at “cousin camp” every year where the grandkids were able to play carpet pool, go fishing and canoeing, and generally “just be kids.” Grandpa taught them all how to drive the blue golf cart – whereupon they each received their own personal key after passing his driving test.

Grandpa and Grandma often raced from one end of the country to the other taking in as many dance, soccer, football, and lacrosse games as they could. They enjoyed it all.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Edris. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, his children Todd (Deb) Dreesman of Roswell, GA, Sue (Archie) Neilson of Poway, CA. Also, his grandchildren, AJ Neilson of Escondido, CA; Thomas (Madison) Dreesman of Cumming, GA; Nicole (Ben) Goulet of Surprise, AZ; Madie Dreesman of Atlanta, GA; Briana Neilson of Poway, CA; and Caroline Dreesman of Roswell, GA. Other survivors include a brother like no other, Lance (Terry) Dreesman of Apache Junction, AZ, and many lifelong Iowa friends.