Larry Dean Krotz

Larry Dean Krotz

Washington

Larry Dean Krotz, age 89, of Washington, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospital following a sudden illness.

A memorial reception will be held from 1:00 pm until 4:00 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the Marr Park Conservation Center. A time of sharing will begin at 3:00 p.m. and military honors will be accorded at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Marr Park. Online condolences may be sent for Larry’s family at www.jonesfh.com.

Larry was born on January 17, 1935, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Frank and Aneta (Shebeck) Krotz. He attended Jackson Center (one room) school until 8th grade and went on to graduate from Washington High School in 1953. Larry graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He was united in marriage to Sandra McConnell on December 27, 1956, in Washington, Iowa.

Larry worked for McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis for a short time before joining the United States Air Force in 1958. He served honorably for twenty years, including a year in Vietnam as an RF-4 reconnaissance fighter pilot, and retired as a lieutenant colonel on March 31, 1978. His experiences in the military were the source of many stories and lasting connections with other veterans.

Larry and Sandy purchased a farm north of Washington in the early 1960s, and he began planting trees whenever he was able to get back to Washington. Upon retirement from the Air Force, they moved onto the farm, and Larry’s passion for growing trees directly from seed blossomed as he developed 130 acres of woodlands on the farm. He belonged to many forestry organizations, often holding leadership positions. Larry held many field events and welcomed anyone that was interested to come out and tour his woodlands. In addition to his passion for trees and managing his forest, Larry was a skilled craftsman and built their home on the farm. He loved to tinker with computers, was an avid gardener, a voracious reader, always reading a book (or 3) and had a love and talent for woodworking. Larry enjoyed attending auctions and acquiring collectibles. There was never enough time in the day!

Larry loved spending time with his family, traveling to Texas periodically to visit his daughter’s family and spend time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed many hours (and laughs) with the Iowa contingent of family sharing meals and playing card games.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra “Sandy” Krotz of Washington, Iowa; daughter, Cindy (Scot) Heisdorffer of Davenport, Iowa; son, Steve (Shellie) Krotz of Washington, Iowa; daughter, Jenny (Holly) Gifford of Victoria, Texas; daughter-in-law, Lisa Krotz of Iowa City, Iowa; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; sister, Joyce (Waldo) Spencer of North Liberty, Iowa; and sisters-in-law, Bev Krotz of Washington, Iowa; and Joleen Krotz of Riverside, Iowa.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; son, William Krotz; brothers, Duane Krotz and Myron Krotz; nephew, Daniel Krotz; and sister, Donna Fritz and her husband Walter.