Larry Dean Willms

 DIKE - Larry Dean Willms, 71, of Dike, passed away Thursday, Sept. 11 at Mercy One in Waterloo. 

 Willms was born Feb. 11, 1954, in Cedar Falls to Edward and Virginia (Hansen) Willms. He spent his childhood in Cedar Falls until the family moved to Dike, where he graduated with the class of 1972. He obtained his two-year degree at Ellsworth College. On May 26, 1979, he married Joyce Bernhardt. They lived in Dike and raised two children. Larry was employed by JS Latta Co./School Specialty in Cedar Falls. He later worked at Ubben Building Supply/Dike Lumberyard where he created many home designs and remodel projects. 

 Upon his retirement in 2021, Larry enjoyed many games of golf and pickleball as well as fishing trips with good friends. All his life Larry was an avid athlete, pitching high school baseball and playing in men’s softball leagues. Golfing was a major pastime shared with his son, grandson, granddaughter and many golf buddies. More recently he could be found on the local pickleball courts enjoying many rousing games. However, the ultimate joy and pride of his life were his children and grandchildren. He kept very busy attending their sporting, dance and musical events. He was especially looking forward to meeting his newest granddaughter. Larry had a strong faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ which never waivered. He is now reunited in heaven with his parents, father and mother-in-law and brother-in-law, Bill Duffy.

 Larry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Joyce, son, Kevin (Laura) Willms of Waverly; daughter, Jennifer (Drew) Pederson, of Elkridge, Maryland. grandchildren Kate, Matthew, Caroline, Aden and Everly; sister, Cherri (Alan) Hills of Cedar Falls; sisters-in-law, Jan Duffy of Cedar Rapids, Mary Bernhardt of Waterloo; brother-in-law, Steve (Rhonda) Bernhardt of Shellsburg and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

 Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17 at Abels Funeral Home in Dike. The funeral service will be Thursday morning, Sept. 18 at 10:30 at Liberty Baptist Church in Dike followed by graveside services at Elmwood Cemetery, Dike. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.