Larry Emil Dybvad

Larry Emil Dybvad, 82 passed peacefully on August 6, 2025.

Larry was born on July 12, 1943 in Albert Lea, Minnesota and grew up in Lake Mills/Kensett, Iowa. He graduated from Northwood-Kensett High School. He attended Luther College and then the University of Iowa where he met his wife, Darla, during their Senior year. They were married on August 14, 1965 and settled in Des Moines.

Larry joined American Mutual Life Insurance, which later became AmerUs, and retired as the Senior Vice President of Marketing in 2000. While working, Larry earned his CLU, Chaired LIMRA, and received an Executive MBA from the University of Michigan. In his next endeavor, Larry became a life insurance consultant and then a real estate agent for Iowa Realty, retiring again in 2015. He was a dedicated and respected professional in the insurance industry for over 35 years.

Beyond his professional achievements, Larry had a great sense of humor. He was known for his quick wit, warm smile, and making everyone feel welcome whether at a work gathering, party or tailgate. He loved spending time with his family and friends, entertaining, and sharing jokes and stories. He and Darla held season tickets for over 50 years to the University of Iowa football games. They also enjoyed traveling around the world through business events and later, family vacations.

Larry started playing golf in his youth and spent 40+ years at Des Moines Golf and Country Club with his golf buddies. At Des Moines Golf, he Chaired the 1999 US Senior Open as the Co-Chair of the Player and Guest Transportation. He fulfilled his dream by actually playing the Masters Golf Course in Augusta, staying in the Golfers’ Quarters, dining in their Private Dining Room and shooting an 86! He celebrated 3 holes-in-one during his lifetime.

Larry was a proud father of two children who were the light of his life. He instilled in them the values of hard work, integrity and compassion which they carry on in their lives today. Larry’s legacy will live on through his wife, Darla of 60 years; his children, Scott (Hava Terry) and Kim (Chuck) Toms; grandsons, CJ and Jakob Toms; his sisters, Joan Redenius and Sandra Martin; and the many lives he touched through his journey. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 from 9-11 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. A private burial will be held later.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions to be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, or the National Kidney Foundation Serving Iowa & Nebraska. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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