Larry Rhinesmith

Larry Rhinesmith, 89, of Gladbrook, IA passed away Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital in Waterloo, IA. No public services are planned, per Larry’s request. Anderson Funeral Homes of Gladbrook has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.

Larry, son of Wharton Rhinesmith and Bernice Schieber, was born October 8, 1935, in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. He married his soulmate, Suzanne Turner, on September 3,1960 at Peace United Church of Christ. Out of their loving marriage came two cherished daughters, Nancy and Sara. Larry was known to never sit idly. Throughout his career, Larry enjoyed working at the Conrad Co-op, the Gladbrook-Turner Farm Store (later moved to Grundy Center), Quakerdale Group Homes as a House Parent (along with his beloved wife), and helping with farming on the Shouse and Paustian farms. Larry also served in the U.S. Marines from 1954-1958. Larry had great pride when he was able to travel to Fort Carson, Colorado to pin his grandson to rank of Sergeant in the U.S. Army in April of 2016. When Larry was not working, his favorite things included bowling, farming, gardening, camping at El Cheapo, and most of all – being with his family. Larry will always be remembered as a loving husband, great dad, and the best grandpa/great-grandpa anyone could ask for. His patience and great sense of humor will always be remembered. Larry was always everyone’s first phone call when an appliance, tool, or vehicle wasn’t working properly. He took great pride in keeping cars and equipment running and was even happier if someone was willing to work with him and learn alongside him. Larry’s love for cooking will be missed by his family. He was the one to always make pancakes for breakfast (or brunch… depending on how late the grandkids were awake the night before), grilled the best BBQ chicken anyone has ever had, and made the greatest homemade pizzas. When the grandkids were in town, there was also never a shortage of ice cream and malts being made right before bed. Larry also loved playing games like horse racing and classic pinball while in Colorado at the penny arcade, but most of all playing Yahtzee with the family – and he always won.

Survivors include: his loving wife, Suzanne, his daughters Nancy (Roger) Otting, Sara (Andy) Heishman, his five grandchildren – Nicholas (Annie Kate) Otting, Emelia Otting, Adam (Cassie) Shouse, Carrie (Shaun) McCarthy, and Aaron (Amber) Shouse, as well as his six great grandchildren – Jay, Eli, Molly, Turner, Larry, and Jack.

Larry was the last surviving member of his family, preceded in death by his parents and his six siblings.