Larry Groen, age 77 of Denison, IA, formerly of Wall Lake, IA, passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Belton Regional Medical Center after living many years at The Village at Carroll Park in Grandview, MO. Lawrence Richard Groen, Jr. was born on June 6, 1945, to parents Lawrence, Sr. and Joyce (Stubbs) Groen in Carroll, IA. He and his older sister Bonnie were raised south of Wall Lake on the family farm. Larry attended Wall Lake Country and High Schools, graduating with the Class of 1963. After graduating, Larry enlisted into the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War Era. He was honorably discharged on June 9, 1964. After returning home, Larry attended Oklahoma Tech to receive his certification as a Diesel Mechanic. He was employed at Farmland in Denison where he worked on their trucks for over thirty years.
In 1971, Larry married Carol Carlson. To this union two children were born, Annie and Eric. They raised their children on a farm south of Wall Lake near where Larry was raised. Together he and his family went on many road trips. They enjoyed the outdoors and camping. Many memories were made, yes, even of the fun times had while driving down the interstate in the back of the truck with the topper on it. Larry and Carol later divorced.
Growing up, Larry loved fast cars and motorcycles. He certainly had his share of fun with them during his youth. That love would remain throughout his life as over the years he restored, collected, and owned many of each. He was active in several car and motorcycle clubs where he met many life-long friends. One of his favorite places to be was out in his shop where he was able to work on all of his toys. He was great at what he did and could fix just about anything.
Larry completely restored a 1933 Plymouth nicknamed ‘the coupe’ and after that he and his son, Eric, restored a 1967 Chevelle together. Larry’s dad owned a 1973 BMW motorcycle with a side-car that is still in the family today. He made several trips out to Sturgis and he and Eric visited many national parks together. Memorial Day weekend was always special to Larry as it meant a gathering of his children and grandchildren at his place to camp for the weekend. He loved sharing his love of all things engine powered with his grandchildren. A lot of rides were given in the dune buggy and go kart and the dirt bikes were always ridden as well. While he loved anything with a motor, he loved his family and spending time with them even more. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Rest assured, he is up above eating unlimited rhubarb pie and his favorite black raspberry marshmallow malt, all while admiring the beauty of an amazing collection of cars and motorcycles.
Left to cherish Larry’s memory include his children, Annie (Ryan) Hansen of Schaller, IA, and Eric (Amy) Groen of Ankeny, IA; grandchildren: Abigayle Hansen of Brookings, SD, Matthew and Taylor Hansen of Schaller, IA, and Abe, Simon, Esther, and Ben Groen all of Ankeny, IA; sister Bonnie (David) Libby of West Des Moines, IA; many extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Sr. and Joyce Groen.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 in Larry’s name. www.dav.org