Larry L. Wenzl

Larry Wenzl, 71, of West Des Moines, Iowa and North Palm Beach, Florida, passed away on October 9, 2009, from complications of cancer.

Larry was born on March 1, 1938, in Beatrice, Nebraska to Anita and Homer Wenzl. He was a football All-Stater in high school and graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1959. He was first introduced to banking while working at the credit department of Sears as a college senior.

Since then, Larry was the managing officer of more than 15 banks in Iowa and several in Illinois, and first became a bank president in 1967. He spent many years with Hawkeye Bancorp. While with Hawkeye, Larry invested in a number of banks with other business associates. By 1984, those investments had grown and he left Hawkeye to pursue his own interests. Throughout his career, Larry specialized in reviving "problem banks" into solid institutions. He sought opportunity instead of the wait and see attitude others may have taken. He was a risk-taker and a business-builder. He had a willingness to listen and consider things that were extraordinary. "A lot of people wait for just the right time to make a move, but if they wait for that right time, the opportunity probably won’t be there anymore" he once said. Recently, Larry was recognized by the Iowa Bankers Association for more than 50 years of service in the banking industry. Until his death, he was the sole owner of Panora State Bank in Panora, Iowa. He was also the owner of the former Continental Travel Association. Larry was a member of World Presidents' Organization, Des Moines Investors Club, Sheperd of the Valley Lutheran Church, and Glen Oaks Country Club. In addition to his family and friends, Larry loved boating, traveling and was an avid Nebraska football fan.

He is survived by his wife, Willa, two daughters, Lynda Anderson of Orlando, Florida and Lori Wenzl of St. Petersburg, Florida and one grandson, Jake Anderson of Orlando, Florida. He is also survived by two step-children, Kate Power (William) and Hale Hoak (Dee Dee) both of Dallas, Texas and six step-grandchildren. In addition, Larry is survived by two brothers, Duane Wenzl of Lincoln, Nebraska and James Wenzl (Judy) of Springfield, Missouri and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 11 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 12 at 9:30 a.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3900 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines with the burial following at Resthaven Cemetary, 801 19th Street, West Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Wenzl Cancer Research/Cleveland Clinic, c/o Panora State Bank, Box 9, Panora, Iowa 50216 or the John Stoddard Cancer Center, 1221 Pleasant Street, Suite 450, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.

The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Buroker, his nurses, Michelle and Pat, Dr. Richard Deming and his staff, and all of the caring staff at Iowa Methodist Medical Center.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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