Lawrence DeBuse

Lawrence "Larry" John DeBuse, age 74, passed away on July 14, 2024, in Adel, Iowa. Born on June 9, 1950, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Phyllis (Holbrook) and Richard DeBuse. Larry was the beloved husband of Shirley for 35 years.

Larry was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. He attended and graduated from West Side High School and continued his education at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. After graduation, he began his career at Center Street Lumber in Omaha, working alongside his father, where he developed a love for building and all things carpentry. He then moved to Avoca, IA and managed Fullerton Lumber and worked there until his career journey took him to MidAmerican Energy in Sioux City, IA, sparking his passion for the energy industry. Sioux City is also where he met his love, Shirley. After 15 years at MidAmerican Energy, he then decided to go into real estate and home building and began a role with United Real Estate Solutions as a Broker and Realtor, and started his own company, DeBuse Homes. He also sat on the Home Builders State Board and National Board for many years. He built and sold beautiful homes until they moved to West Des Moines in 2012. He then returned to the energy sector working for A-Tec Energy in West Des Moines, until his retirement in 2018. Post-retirement, he enjoyed connecting with people from all over the state while driving for Enterprise Rent-A-Car until 2021.

A talented musician and proud Eagle Scout, Larry played the piano and keyboard for church from an early age. He was a saxophone member of the famous Nebraska Marching Band and played various other instruments including the trumpet, organ, keyboard, piano, and guitar. He led his band, "The Barbarians" as they played various sock hops throughout Omaha in the 1960s. His favorite song to play on any instrument was "Louie, Louie". Larry's love for music was infectious, often seen tapping on the steering wheel to the beat of every song on the radio, all while asking "Guess who sings this song?" He was also an avid fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Iowa State Cyclones.

Larry leaves behind his wife, Shirley; daughters, Audriana Pirie (DeBuse) (Nathan Pirie), Brooke Bleil and Abby Froemming (DeBuse); sons, Todd DeBuse (Amy DeBuse), Kyle DeBuse (Lori DeBuse), and Joshua Bleil; siblings, Chip DeBuse (Lisa DeBuse), Dave DeBuse; and his twin sister, Linda Anderson (Gary Adams). He was a cherished grandfather to 21 grandchildren and a great-grandfather to two great-granddaughters.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Phyllis and Richard DeBuse, his grandson, Kadan DeBuse,.and his nephew, Tom DeBuse

Memorial services will be held at 12:00 pm on Sunday, July 21, 2024 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa with visitation one hour prior at 11:00 am at the funeral home. A luncheon will follow at Glen Oaks Country Club, 1401 Glen Oaks Drive, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266. The family asks that everyone attending dress casually in your favorite sports attire (Go Huskers!)

Larry will be remembered for his vibrant spirit, dedication to his family, his love for building/carpentry and music. He made a lasting impact on everyone he met and will be deeply missed. He was truly the best.

Print