Larry D. Hockersmith

Larry Duane Hockersmith has reunited with his beloved wife Patricia and son Steve by entering his eternal resting place on June 27, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family. Larry battled several health issues later in life including being diagnosed with lung cancer in January of 2023.

Larry was born in Des Moines, Iowa on October 30, 1934 as the only child to Martha and Duane Hockersmith. Throughout his childhood, Larry experienced living in several states which include Maryland, Minnesota, California, and Wyoming. Returning to Iowa, Larry lived in Clinton, Lyons, Burlington, and finally settled in Des Moines to finish his school career at the world renown East High School graduating in 1953. During his high school years and after, Larry was a Life Guard before starting his career at the Iowa National Guard in Des Moines where he served for 21 years. It was during the time in the Guard, Larry also began his career with the Des Moines Fire Department in 1959. During his 34 years of service with the fire department, Larry would be trained as a fire fighter and an EMT, a position he held for three years until he was promoted to Lieutenant. He would be promoted to a Captain and served in that position until his retirement in 1994. The Des Moines Fire Department is a brotherhood like no other where strong bonds are created. Larry made many strong bonds and friendships while serving with the fire department, some that would last his life time. On his days off from the department, Larry would work at Service Master and as a stage hand at different venues including Veterans Memorial Auditorium and the Civic Center. After his retirement, Larry worked several years for the Iowa Blood Center of Central Iowa now called LifeServe.

Larry met the girl of his dreams while on a vacuum repair call with his buddy. He would begin putting on the Hockersmith charm towards a very pretty Patricia Rounds. And he was quite successful as Pat and Larry were united in marriage on October 7th, 1956. They would spend the next 57 years working, raising a family, and living life. From that marriage, two children were welcomed into this world, Steven Thomas on November 11, 1958, and Debra Diane on June 8, 1960. Larry and Pat would make their homes in the Beaverdale neighborhood starting on 34th Street before moving on to 32nd Street. They would move to West Des Moines in 1979 and would live their until moving to their last home together on Pompano Drive in Clive. Larry would return to his West Des Moines home in 2012 to live with his daughter’s family.

Larry enjoyed traveling yearly to their cabin in Park Rapids, MN with his family where he would spend many summers relaxing and enjoying the peacefulness of Long Lake. He was a huge Hawkeye fan often expressing his frustrations with “they just can’t stand success.” He was an avid reader especially the history of WWII. Larry was a gifted artist whose drawings could be seen hanging in his home or the homes of dear friends that have gone before him.
It was from their friends, the Powell’s, who would introduce Pat and Larry to Lutheran Church of Hope. Joining Hope in 1996, Pat and Larry would also introduce others to Hope including their family. Larry would serve on the Stevens Ministry which later became Care Core. He would walk alongside widows and widowers in their time of need. He also served on Hope’s Celebrate Recovery team. Pat and Larry also became part of a life group that would not only be influential in their life but be a support group for one another.

Larry’s family would like to express their gratitude to his care givers through Mercy and to St. Croix In Home Hospice team who have provide care with such love and compassion. And always left with a hug after each visit. The family would also like express their gratitude to St. Croix for supporting them during this journey.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Martha and Duane, his son Steve in 2004, his beloved wife Patricia in 2008, and his loyal canine companion Sparky in 2011.

Left to cherish his memories is his loving daughter; Debbie, caring son-in-law, Jessie; grandsons, Joshua (Stephanie) Peterson, and Joseph Moreno; granddaughter, Stevie (Ryan) McLeod; great- grandchildren, Evelyn, Katelyn, Mackenzie and William McLeod and Brooklynn, Olivia, and Lauren Peterson. He cherished and was proud of his family and their accomplishments.

Services will be held at 11:00 am. Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines with visitation one hour prior. Cremation burial will be at a later date at Glendale Masonic Cemetery.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsfuneralHome.com.


Livestream Link for Larry Hockersmith Service

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