Larry W Lartz, 71, died March 1, 2014 at his Rock City home, with many family members by his side. He went home to our Lord after fighting ALS for the last three years.
He was born September 12, 1942 in Morrison, IL to William and Gladys (Bailey) Lartz.
He was a member of Faith Community Church in Davis, IL, the Stephenson County Gideons, Two-Cylinder Club, Antique Tractor Club and part of a beloved fellowship of men known as Promise Keepers.
Larry was blessed with a mechanical ability all his life. He started his own garage, Larry's Automotive in Milledgeville, IL, (reopening in Rock City later) worked for Sterling Myers Ford, built dragsters, worked on many race cars, snowmobiles, etc., drove semi's for Advance Transformer, and in his later years restored antique vehicles, overseeing the restoration of a 1941 John Deere B by the Orangeville FFA boys. The many grandchildren often said, "Take it to Papa, he can fix anything".
He is survived by his wife, Leanna (Sellek), married on July 10, 1987; children Dawn (Tom) Leamon, Teri (Leon) Hinrichs, Rick (Rhonda) Jacobson, Lorrie (Bill) Wisely, Mike Jacobson, Jason (Melissa) Jacobson, 17 grandchildren, three+ great-grandchildren, brothers Ernie (Phyllis) Lartz and Doug Lartz, sister Ronda Borgman, two nieces, Aunt Ruth Bos, Aunt Kris Schlueter and many cousins
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his daughters Cherie Leighty and Tammy Jo Lartz and granddaughter Nicole Jiminez.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m Friday, March 7, 2014 at Faith Community Church in Davis.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday March 6, 2014 and after 9 a.m. Friday all at Faith Community Church in Davis.
A memorial has been established in his name to be donated to his favorite charities.