Larry D. Park

Larry Park, age 81, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away Monday, December 10, 2024 at Harmony Marshalltown.

Per the wishes of Larry and his family, cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will take place on Sunday, December 15 from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Memorials in Larry's name may be directed to Our Savior Lutheran Church or Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown. For questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

Larry Delano Park was born January 31, 1943 in Mason City, Iowa, the only child of John and Leona “Eva” (Buss) Park. He grew up playing many sports over the years, and due to his tall stature, especially excelled at basketball. After graduating from Ventura High School in 1961, Larry attended the University of Northern Iowa. During his time at UNI, he was a writer and editor for the school newspaper, while earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Math Education. He spent a brief time as a math teacher in Rockwell City before taking the position as a sports column writer for the Waterloo Courier.

During his time in Waterloo, Larry met the love of his life, Nancy Horak, after being introduced on March 13, 1967 by their pastor. It was love at first sight, and they were united in marriage on August 12, 1967 at Grace Lutheran Church in Waterloo. The couple then moved to Marshalltown, Iowa, where Larry took a position as a math teacher at Marshalltown High School. For three years, Larry and Nancy spent their summers in Washington State through the National Science Foundation grant. During this time, Larry obtained his Master’s Degree in Math Education from Washington State University. In 1980, he took a position at Fisher Controls, where he worked as Senior System Analyst until his retirement in 2009. In retirement, Larry returned to Marshalltown High School as a substitute math teacher.

Due to his strong faith and belief in making the world a better place, Larry gave back to the communities he served in profound ways over the years. He started the first Marshalltown girls’ softball team, coaching from 1974 to 1979, and later organized the Marshalltown Girls Youth Softball Association. He was a founding member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, and has faithfully served his church community for many years. Larry was also a 40 year member of the Marshalltown Noon Optimist’s Club, where he held all the varying offices at different points in his life. He was able to start the Marshalltown Optimist’s Basketball Invitational, a youth tournament that existed for many years. In retirement, Larry greatly enjoyed refereeing for youth basketball and football games. He was also a member of the Central Iowa Official Organization, where he served as chairman for over six years.

Though his free time was few and far between, Larry and Nancy enjoyed playing Duplicate Bridge through the Marshalltown Bridge Club. Both achieved the title of “Life Masters” and were fortunate to travel to several different states to play Bridge, including Indiana, Florida and Tennessee. He was also an avid sports fan, and especially enjoyed cheering on Iowa State, Iowa and the Minnesota Twins, Vikings and the San Francisco 49ers.

Left to honor and cherish Larry’s legacy include his beloved wife, Nancy; his children: Jeremy and wife Carol Park and Step Daughter Kim Younge; two grandchildren: Chandler Holsapple and Zach Gile and one great-granddaughter, Londyn Reign.

In eternal life, Larry is reunited with his parents.