Lawrence “Larry” Deets, 89, of Polo passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2024 surrounded by his family at Serenity Hospice and Home.
Larry was born June 17, 1935 in Sterling, Illinois, the son of Orville and Dorothy (Tucker) Deets. He was united in marriage to Joyce Scott on January 13, 1957 at East Jordan Church. Larry and Joyce were childhood friends, living as neighbors and attending East Jordan Church throughout their lives.
After graduating from Sterling High School, Larry served in the Army from 1955-1956 stationed in Hawaii. Larry talked fondly of the years he worked as a farm hand for special people in his life. Then he worked at the Penrose Store delivering eggs to Chicago. Soon he became a Surge dealer selling dairy supplies and servicing milking equipment for local dairy farmers. In 1968, Larry moved his family to Polo to farm with his father-in-law which included milking cows for many years. He continued farming until his retirement.
Larry was very proud of his family and their accomplishments. He enjoyed the times when his family was together and always shared a hug with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Larry was very active at East Jordan Church, serving on many committees through the years. He was a kind and patient man who was willing to help anyone. He could fix anything, attributing his skills to being taught by his father. Larry was a quiet man but had a quick wit that made everyone smile. One of his favorite sayings was, “I always have a good day. Some are just better than others.”
For 17 years Larry and Joyce enjoyed spending their winters in Wintergreen Estates Trailer Park in Texas where they had many friends. It was during this time that Larry started carving and whittling, making projects that he enjoyed giving to his family and friends.
Survivors include his children: Kevin (Janice) Deets, Polo, IL; Craig (Amanda) Deets, Clinton, IL; daughter, Sue (Patrick Dixon) Lehmann, Shakopee, MN; his sister, Evelyn (Richard) Nelson, Carol Stream IL, and sister-in-law, Patty Scott, Clarksville, TN. His 7 grandsons Ryan (Rachel) Deets, Dixon, IL; Matthew (Lauryn) Deets, Geneseo, IL; Kyle (Jen Coe) Deets, East Moline, IL; Aaron (Lauren) Deets, Chicago, IL; Austin (Corey) Deets, Milwaukee, WI; Dane (Natalie Gordon) Lehmann, Kenosha, WI; Brendan (Jordan Griffith) Lehmann, Prior Lake, MN and 6 great-grandchildren; Dorien Deets, Donovan Deets, Josephine Deets, Stella Deets, Chloe Deets, and Emma Deets.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Joyce, on June 12, 2024, his parents, his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and John Kreider, and his brother-in-law, Tim Scott.
Visitation will be Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 9:30-11:00 with the service at 11:00 at East Jordan Church, 22027 Polo Rd. Sterling IL. Burial will follow the funeral service at East Jordan Church Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank Morningside of Sterling and Serenity Hospice and Home for their excellent care.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for East Jordan Church or Serenity Hospice and Home.
Condolences may be sent to pffh.condolences@gmail.com.
