Larry Dale Curtis

Larry Dale Curtis, 73, passed away on July 15th, 2023 in hospice care at Kavanagh House.
Larry was born June 9th, 1950 in Des Moines, Iowa to Wink and Reba (Sayer) Curtis. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1968. It was there that he met and later married Deb in 1970. Deb and Larry celebrated 52 years of marriage on November 28th this past year, something they were both very proud of. Deb and Larry raised 3 boys together; Ryan, Brad, and Neal. They were long-time Southsiders until moving to Urbandale in 2017. Larry retired in March of 2018 from Star Equipment after many years of service. In retirement, Larry stayed busy supporting Deb’s to-do list and spending time with his family.
Larry was a very simple man. He loved his family, he worked hard, and he played hard when given the chance. He knew what he liked and he stuck to it. Larry enjoyed all things sports, especially the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Chiefs, the Yankees, and the Lakers. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed participating in leagues a couple of nights a week for many years. When the boys were in high school, Larry and Deb would often host gatherings at their home where Deb could share her gift of hosting and sharing a meal, while Larry could share in that “play hard” opportunity with friends and family through a friendly game of volleyball. Although Larry’s competitive nature may have required the word “friendly” to be removed a time or two…after all he was there to win!
When you think of Larry, you can’t help but smile. Even to the very end, he could be caught showing off that big smile! Larry wore his BIG heart on the outside for everyone to see. Family and friends meant the world to Larry.
Larry enjoyed babying his dogs over the years. Larry would take the dogs on walks every day and say hello to those passing by. He certainly didn’t know a stranger and offered a friendly hello to anyone near. Larry and Deb enjoyed countless memories at the Iowa State Fair with the family. Deb and Larry also had the opportunity to camp there a couple of times, which was a highlight. Deb and Larry spent the last decade camping and enjoying time together at a slower pace. However, don’t let that slower pace fool you. He certainly loved the thrill of slot machines a time or two. He didn’t care if he won, he just enjoyed playing and chatting with the neighbor next to him! Larry was a very dedicated man to anything or anyone in his life.
He is survived by his children, Ryan (Lisa), Brad (Kelli), and Neal; siblings, Karen Schultz, and Ron (Dorthy) Curtis; eight grandchildren; Kayla, Carter, Emma, Haley, Megan, Macy, Madison, and Wyatt: five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Larry was preceded in death by his wife Deb Curtis, his parents, brother-in-law, Karl Schultz, and daughter-in-law, Dana Doty Curtis.
The family will greet friends Thursday, July 20, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 21st at the funeral home. Larry will be laid to rest at 1:30 pm at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Milo, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation online at blueribbonfoundation.org or mailed to: Blue Ribbon Foundation P.O. Box 57130 Des Moines, IA 50317.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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