Larry Preul

The rich life of Larry Lavern Preul began on May 13, 1940, and he climbed Jacob’s ladder, ascending to eternal life in the presence of God’s glory on August 23, 2025, in Lake Havasu, Arizona.

Larry was born on the family farm in Paradise Township to parents Henry and Florence (Wessel) Preul. He was baptized in Christ on June 2, 1940, and confirmed on April 3, 1955, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, Iowa. He attended Paradise #1 country school through eighth grade, where he recalled learning multiplication up to 12 x 12 by practicing on the chalkboards that lined the room on cold, snowy days. In ninth grade, Larry began taking the bus to “town school,” where he earned the nickname “Popeye” because of his muscular arms from baling hay, something that inspired many classmates to want to work on the farm. During his high school years, he also enjoyed wrestling.

Larry worked many jobs while growing up, developing a strong work ethic. He worked at Jensen’s Gas Station, managed Ballentine Roller Skating Rink, and even set bowling pins by hand at the local alley. After graduating from Denison High School in 1958, he worked in Rapid City, South Dakota, helping lay the airstrip at the Air Force Base. He later attended Weaver Airline School in Kansas City, but his life soon took a new direction. In 1959, Larry moved to California, and on October 10, 1960, he married Mary Olson. Together they were blessed with two daughters, Cyndi and Kelly.

Over the years, Larry learned many trades. He worked alongside family and friends, running his brother-in-law Vernus’s gas station, trimming trees with his brother-in-law Jack, and mastering block work with his dear friend Tom White. He later went to work for the City of Covina, where he designed and oversaw changes to the town’s medians, learning all the botanical names of trees and plants along the way. Larry eventually joined the City of Los Angeles, where he served for 25 years as a Senior High-Rise Building Inspector. He inspected many of the skyscrapers that shaped downtown LA and received numerous letters of commendation from both the city and contractors for his expertise. Larry truly loved his work.

Family was always at the heart of Larry’s life. He cherished time with his siblings, Ardelbert, Rovanis, Janice, Gary, Darrell, Joyce, Darlene, and Rick, and treasured the lessons learned from working alongside his father on the farm. He and Mary built a rich family life with their daughters, enjoying camping trips, bowling, Camp Fire Girls activities, and especially their years of square dancing, which brought them many treasured friendships. Larry also enjoyed playing pool, even winning a trophy during his years working for the city. Larry coached the girls’ winning softball team for many years. He picked the girls up who didn’t have rides, and they rode in the back of his pickup.

Together, Larry and Mary were blessed to travel extensively, road trips, cruises, and journeys to other countries. He often said what a great life they had, even if at times they were too busy to fully appreciate it in the moment.

Larry will be remembered as a devoted family man, a loyal friend, a hardworking helper, a storyteller, and someone who loved babies. His life was full of faith, family, and friendship.

Larry was preceeded in death by his parents, Henry and Florence Preul; brothers: Ardelbert and Rovanis sister, Janice Christiansen; and grandson, Johnny DeLeon.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Preul; daughters: Cyndi (Rudy) Bueno and Kelly (Randy) Beck; grandchildren: Bronté (Anthony) DeLeon, Allyson Bueno, Brandon (Skyler) Bueno, Taylor Gutierrez; great grandchildren: Holden DiSano and Reign, Wyatt and Ryder Bueno, Harley Gutierrez; and many other family members and friends.

Larry’s memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. all on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. Inurnment will take place in the Morgan Cemetery near Schleswig. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Cleveland Clinic Alzheimer's Unit in Las Vegas, Nevada Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health - Las Vegas | Cleveland Clinic.