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Laurence 'Larry' DeSotel
LAURENCE LERRELL "LARRY" DESOTEL
Marion
Laurence Lerrell "Larry" DeSotel, 90, of Marion, died Sunday, June 12, 2016, at St. Luke's Hospital under the care of hospice. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Interment will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Larry was born Jan. 9, 1926, in Greeley, Iowa, to Helen (Washburn) and Gilbert DeSotel. He graduated from Alburnett High School in 1944. Larry entered the U.S. Army right after graduating from high school. He served honorably during World War II, earning his squad sergeant stripes in the mountains of Luzon, Philippines, with the 38th Infantry Division (the "Avengers of Bataan") in 1945, at the age of 19.
Larry married Gertrude Townsend in 1948. They had four children and later divorced. Larry married Betty Reynolds in November 1968.
He retired from Link-Belt Speeder (FMC) after 35 years of service. Larry loved to bowl and held many positions on his bowling leagues. He bowled a perfect 300 game on Jan. 4, 1968. He loved being a rock hound. For years he gave talks on geology to area fifth-graders. Larry was active with the local rock club and served in many positions in the local club and the national organization. His favorite job was helping with the "pebble pit" at the annual show, helping spark interest in children. He and Betty had a rock shop and traveled extensively pursuing their hobby. Larry loved to fish and tell stories, often combining the two to the delight of his family.
He is survived by his wife, Betty (Reynolds) DeSotel; daughter, Debbie Goddard of Harrison, Ark.; son, Dave DeSotel of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his four beloved cats.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Diane DeSotel Smith; and all six of his brothers, Harold, Robert "Bob," Arthur, Merle, Gilbert "Roy" and Richard "Dick" DeSotel.
Online condolences may be conveyed at www.cedarmemorial.com.
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