On August 12, 2015, Larry Terrol Birt bid farewell to Nora and his beloved family and friends, leaving his earthly life to be with his heavenly Father following 30 months of fighting Primary Myelofibrosis, Congestive Heart Failure, COPD and multiple blood clots in his lungs. 

   Larry was born in Pomeroy, Iowa, on August 10, 1937 and was the first of nine children of Katherine Staton and Reginald T. Birt.  His siblings include Marvin, Lester, Connie, Wendel, Rex, LaVerne, Audrey, and Shirley.  He leaves behind to mourn his loss his wife, Nora Frieda Birt – the love of his life for 53 years; his son, Derek Birt and daughter-in-law, Andrea Birt; his son, Jason Birt and daughter-in-law, Mindee Birt; his son, Troy Birt and Stephanie Potter (sons Jack, Oliver, and Oscar); his grandchildren, Chelsee Birt Sheffield (Isaac), Hannah, Jackson, Henry, and Walker.  Larry was predeceased by his parents, his brothers – Marvin and Lester, his sister – Shirley, his daughter – Lanette Birt, and his daughter-in-law – Anne Holtorf Birt.

   Larry was an active member in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sac City, Iowa.  He was a faithful servant to the church and its members.

   Larry moved to Sac City, Iowa at age 7 and lived with his grandfather, Jim Staton.  He played basketball, baseball, football, and participated in track.  He especially enjoyed pole vaulting.  As a young boy, he worked for the Gerken family at the Standard Oil and Conoco Gas Stations.  He graduated from Sac City High School in 1958.  He enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1956 through 1962.  Larry worked with Tom Kennedy painting as a young adult.  He enrolled in barber college in Sioux City, Iowa and graduated in 1960.  He worked as a barber in Newell, Storm Lake, Ames, Ft. Dodge, and Lytton.  In 1968, Larry purchased Cliff Goodwin’s barbershop in Sac City, Iowa and operated it as Larry’s Barbershop until 2015.

   Larry married Nora Frieda Dunlap on June 24, 1962.  They were married in St. John’s Lutheran Church in Westboro, Missouri.  They made their home and raised their family in Sac City, Iowa.   

   Larry loved life and he loved people…especially those that would talk with him.  He always cared about others and put their needs above his.  He is commonly described as a person who had a big heart.  He loved his hometown of Sac City and all of its wonderful people.  He loved his family and friends unconditionally.  He especially enjoyed telling and stretching stories, playing poker, cribbage and dice, playing golf, and hunting pheasants and quail with his bird dogs (all named Mickey).  He loved playing cards with many people and at many places in the area – a few being the Sac Country Club and the Monday Night “Bridge Club” Group.  He treasured his time at the Lazy T Ranch and spending it with its cast of characters.  He was always available to take on projects to help family and friends.  To Larry, life was about working hard and playing harder.  He enjoyed going to Iowa Football games and tailgating with family.  He especially loved listening to Nora yodel.  Everyone knew cold weather was coming when Larry would sport his trademark red hat.  His best days were spent with his grandchildren.  He loved traveling to and attending their sporting activities.  He enjoyed making a fire on the patio and telling stories of his youthful escapades. 

   The family would like to thank all of the many people who supported and prayed for Larry during his illness.  It is truly our belief that his journey continues, that he is in a better place after a hard fought battle, probably drinking a Mello Yello (quite likely with Dub Lytle) as he shuffles the cards for the next poker hand, and telling a story to someone within ear shot of the table.  “Ante up, I am dealing you in…”