Larry Ballentine
September 05, 2020
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Service Details
Larry Ballentine passed away Saturday, September 5, 2020 at Manorcare Health Services of West Des Moines.
Larry was born March 22, 1939 to Clarence and Opal Ballentine in Perry, IA. He graduated from Minburn High School in 1957 and later attended Simpson College in Indianola, IA. While employed as a sprinkler installer, he met his future wife Kathryn. They were married November 14, 1959 in Algona, IA at the Methodist Church.
Larry retired as a longtime car salesman in the Newton area. In his spare time he enjoyed telling jokes, selling flags, making lights with ornaments and entertaining everyone with his rabbit tricks. He and Kathryn also were proud of their large candy Pez collection.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Kathryn; his daughters, Patricia Ann (Rick) Kemp and Diana Linn (Rick) Birmingham; son, Kerry Roland Ballentine; 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Opal Ballentine; sisters, Mary Lou Noonan, Betty Feldman and Shirley Houston; and brother, Jerry Moss.
A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, September 26, 2020 from 11:00 to 2:00 pm at the Ballentine home in Newton, IA. Burial will follow at Elwood Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the family in loving memory of Larry. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Joshua Scott Hotchkin
05/22/2021
Some memories of my grandfather...
I never really noticed grandpa being very into music, but he was often heard to be whistling and/or humming in a cheerful way. The only time I ever heard him sing is the "Jeremiah was a bullfrog, he was a good friend of mine" lyrics from Three Dog Night's 'Joy to the World'. But just those lyrics, and none of the rest of the song.
He always had jokes and magic tricks and stories. He was one of the most social people ever, and as I get older I really appreciate how he made and maintained close friendships all throughout life.
He once called us in Wyoming from Iowa to recommend the movie The God's Must Be Crazy, so of course we went out and rented it right away. We were baffled, and wondered what the hell he wanted us to see that for. In later years I rewatched it and recognized its brilliance. Grandpa had a philosophical side that he only ever hinted at to me, and by the time I was curious enough to wonder, he was a bit too old to really get into those kind of conversations. I missed out.
I worked with him for a year at Finch's Auto, as an apprentice mechanic and lot attendant. I also lived on the property, and it was a wild time for me. He had a lot of patience, because I pulled a lot of crap. He once was trying to wake me to ask me where I left a certain car, because the cops had called saying it need to be moved, and I couldn't even remember. But he never got too mad at me.
The maddest I ever saw him get was at my brother Jamie, when he locked the keys in the rented Lincoln Town Car while we were visiting the Hoover Dam.
That was the Disney trip they took me, Jason, Jamie, Rodney and Jack on...funded partially by a water jug of pennies he had saved for years. There are a lot of great memories of that trip, like grandpa driving around LA lost whilegrandpa, grandma and I discussed and laughed about Cheech and Chong movies, and the others all slept in the back seat. That night grandma ate a whole box of Twinkies in the hotel bathroom. Gotta wonder about that day. lol
He loved animals, but never had any, except those in his yard which he would care for, especially squirrels.
He once built a 'pool heating' device of his own design that was partially brilliant, overly complex and semi successful, but I loved his creativity and imagination, and watching him tinker.
There was the popcorn, he always had popcorn, in his big green bowl. Even though he had been forced to eat nothing but for a period after my aunt was born, he still loved his popcorn, every single day.
He would tell me of childhood pranks, like intentionally failing to catch his very large teacher when she cam down the emergency slide at their school. He also claimed to have disassembled a car and reassembled it in his high school gym overnight with some friends. He was a real prankster.
There was a lifelong running joke about him polishing his head in the morning, since he had been bald his entire adult life. He could take a razzing just as good as he gave it.
Grandpa was a loving, caring, friendly guy who brought a lot of goodness into a lot of people's lives. The world was a better place for having him in it.
Tim Hinchliff
10/22/2020
I am very sorry to learn of Larry's passing. I spend many fun times with Larry in high school. He was always loads of fun to be with. He was one of funniest persons I have ever known. And he was always upbeat. When I last talked to him in February and he was in horrid health, he was still cheerful and positive. He made the world a happier place.
Diana Ballentine
09/17/2020
Daddy I will miss you so so much , you were my everything
09/13/2020
so sorry to hear of larrys passing we use to have family get togethers and got to see everyone now we dont get to see and visit with anyone our thoughts and prayers are with all of you rodger and verlie huggins
Robert & Peggy Ault
09/12/2020
Sorry for your loss. A funny man that will be missed.
Lynn and Laurel
09/07/2020
May Gods Blessing be with all at this time of sorrow. We remember Larry as a truly giving and caring individual. Everyone who knew Larry are much better for it and have joy in their hearts from his joyous nature. God Bless