Larry Willits

Larry L. Willits, also known as “Big LL,” of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at Glenwood Place.

Per the wishes of Larry and his family, cremation rites have been accorded under the care of the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. A celebration of life for Larry will take place on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 5:00 to 8:00 at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. For online condolences or additional questions, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

Larry was born on December 16, 1937 in Ira, Iowa to parents Tom and Bertha (Brissel) Willits. He grew up in Marshalltown, graduating from Marshalltown High School with the class of 1956. He went on to play football at Simpson College, where he graduated with a degree in engineering.

Larry met the love of his life, Peggy Anderson, and the couple was united in marriage on August 30, 1969. Over the years they lived in several places around the United States, including Parkville MO, Trumbull, CT, Centreville, VA, Silverthorne, CO, and Pensacola, FL, before returning to Marshalltown, where they have called home since 2005.

Larry’s professional career started with City Service Oil, followed by a brief move to Gulf Oil, and finally culminated with his thirty years of work for Mobil Oil, before retiring in 1995. He was very proud to work for Mobil Oil in New York City, directly across from the Chrysler Building on 42nd Street, and he often shared stories about his career which included everything from selling lubricants in rural Nebraska all the way to long lunches at expensive restaurants in New York City.

Larry loved anything that had to do with being on the water: sailing, kayaking and boating, and ironically, he never learned to swim. He enjoyed traveling and cruises, and especially liked his trips to Pensacola, Florida and the Gulf Coast. He also enjoyed skiing and biking, and sharing stories with his family about his football days at Simpson.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife, Peggy; his children: Sarah (Gary) Supnick of Tampa, FL, Nathen (Angie) Willits of Marshalltown, IA and Joshua (Allie) Willits of St. Augustine, FL; his grandchildren: Fiona, Alexis and Joshua; brother-in-law, Dick Oehlsen and his nephews: Eric and Mark Oehlsen.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Bertha Willits and his sister, Betty Oehlsen.