Larry Rodgers

Larry Richard Rodgers, of West Des Moines, died on January 25, 2025, after a prolonged illness. Larry passed peacefully while holding the hand of his wife, Leona Rodgers. Also left to miss him are his daughters Kimberly (Shane) Smith, Christina Rodgers-Blount, and Kathleen (Jason) Catrenich. In keeping with Larry’s wishes, alternatively his daughters all answer to “Hot Shot” , “Honey” or “One of you Damned Kids”. Those that will miss Grandpa/Papa most are his 9 grandchildren: Kylie, Jackson, Lucas, Madeline, Landon, Claire, Margaret, Wyatt & Isabella. All the kids will miss stealing gumdrops from Grandpa’s Candy Dish.

Born in Newton, Iowa, on October 22, 1946, to Barbara Jeanne and Richard Rodgers, Larry was raised by his grandmother, Maude Rairdon. A natural athlete, he was a standout in swimming and gymnastics at Marshalltown High School. Upon graduation in 1964, Larry joined the Navy. In addition to learning all manner of swearing, he learned how to operate and maintain nuclear submarines. After his service in Vietnam, Larry worked in the private sector for many industries, but he spent most of his career as a nursing home administrator. He enjoyed retirement after an unfortunate accident at work rendered him disabled.

Larry loved (in no particular order) ice cream, redheads, sarcasm, chocolate, being a girl dad, Jim Croce, Leona, a bawdy joke, iced tea, Neil Diamond, and smokes (which he would admit in retrospect may have been a bad idea). He enjoyed playing cards with friends, beating his children at Trivial Pursuit, and telling people they are “a better door than a window.” There is no episode of Law & Order or Court Cam Larry hadn’t seen. His daughters will sincerely miss calling their Dad and getting a bellowing “Yellow!” when he answers.

A visitation will be held Monday, February 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Theresa of the Child followed immediately by a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m.