Larry Toelke, age 78, of Dakota, IL, went to heaven on May 3, 2023 after a cruddy battle with lymphoma. He passed away at home in his favorite recliner, surrounded by his family. Larry was born August 23, 1944, to Vernon and Ila (Leverton) Toelke. Larry was a very proud graduate of Dakota High School and played for their basketball team, easily remembering the score of all his high school games. He married his high school sweetheart, Karla Boos, on July 2, 1965. He proudly served in the Illinois National Guard from 1966-1971, claiming his unit "saved Chicago" during the 1968 riots. Larry started building tires at Kelly Springfield Tire Company in 1964. He was known for his strong work ethic and instilled that ethic in his daughters and grandchildren. He eventually became Production Control Manager at Kelly's and retired in 2001 after 37 years of hard work. He was steadfast about attending his Wednesday morning coffee clutch with the "Kelly guys," where he said they solved the world's problems. Larry was a proud member of the Dakota Methodist Church, and his handy work is seen throughout that building. He was an active member of the Dakota Lion's Club for over 30 years, during which he organized pancakes days and delivered hundreds of hams and roses.

Larry grew up on a dairy farm and developed a love for the outdoors early in life. His passion for fishing spanned from his backyard pond to remote lakes at Booi's in Red Lake, Ontario, Canada. He baited a million hooks for kids and shared his love for fishing with his children, grandchildren, niece (Sarah), nephew (Noah), church youth groups, and anyone willing to hold a pole. He loved hunting and took pride in teaching his grandson, Cody, the "ways of the woods." In the last few years, Cody worked hard to ensure Papa could still hunt.

Fifteen years ago, Nana and Papa built a beautiful home on a pond. Papa loved manicuring the pond and the property. The mowing lines were perfectly straight, the trees trimmed, the weeds few, and the pond pristine. This view from his bed and chair in the last few weeks was a picture of peace. When he wasn't working at home, he could be found working on his backswing, scoring 3 holes-in-one at Park Hills Golf course. He also loved woodworking and building furniture. His pieces are a part of all his children's and grandchildren's homes.

Papa should have a bleacher seat with his name on it. He loved sports and traveled miles to attend his grandkids' events. Whether the event lasted 12 seconds or 3 hours, he had a front row seat and cheered the loudest. He loved recounting the details of these events to anyone willing to listen. Family was the most important thing and being the best Papa ever was highest on his list.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, brother (Keith), sister-in-law (Marlene), nephews (Joel Toelke and Noah Boos), his father and mother-in-law (Leroy and Lois Boos), and his devoted golden retriever, Ginger. He is survived by his wife, Karla, daughters, Kris (Aaron Webster) DeHaven, Andrea (Josh) Tregoning, grandchildren, Cody (Jesicca) DeHaven, Alissa (Dustin and Bentlee Barnes) DeHaven, Emily (Casey) Allen, and Ila, Lilia, and Kass Tregoning. He is survived by one very special great-grandson, Colton JJ. He is also survived by his brother, Wayne (Marilyn) Toelke, brothers- and sisters-in-law, Harlan and Gayle Boos and Jerry and Jerilyn Boos and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at The Dakota United Methodist Church in Dakota, IL. There will be a visitation before the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Pioneer Cemetery in Rock City, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dakota High School Golf Team or to the Larry Toelke Memorial which will be used to make future donations to various worthy causes. The Daughenbaugh Funeral Home of Dakota is assisting his family. Condolences may be shared with his family at www.walkermortuary.com .