Larry Bradley Easler

Larry Bradley Easler

Marion

Larry Bradley Easler, 86, of Marion, Iowa, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2023. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 2202 Forest Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403; with services held at Bethany on Wednesday June 28, at 11 a.m.

Larry was born April 9, 1937, to William and Ada (Jones) Easler at Olin Iowa. When he was a toddler, his mom married Carl Nanke and he soon had three brothers. Larry graduated from Stanwood High School in 1955 and immediately entered the U.S. Navy service as an air controller. He served for eight years and spent time with VW-13, Airborne Early Warning Squadron as an AC(W) flying out of Argentia Newfoundland, served onboard USS Midway and USS Coral Sea, and was stationed with GCA Unit 24 (Ground Control Approach) at NAS Kingsville, Texas.

Larry married his high school sweetheart, Sharon (Stock), in 1957 at St Paul’s Lutheran Church at Stanwood, Iowa, and they enjoyed a long and blessed marriage for over 66 years. They were also blessed with three children, Brad, Barb and Brett, all of which were born in Kingsville, Texas, in the heat of the summer, and with no air conditioning in the hospital.

Honorably discharged in 1963 Larry went to work for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an Air Traffic Controller at various locations including Milwaukee, Moline, New Orleans, and Cedar Rapids from where he retired in 1992.

Larry’s service to the Lord was his priority in life. Upon retiring from the FAA, he worked 10 years at Bethany Lutheran Church for Pastor Ron Pfluger in the church office where he became known as the Peacemaker. He also served for several years on the Board of Directors for Systems Unlimited, a nonprofit organization in Iowa City created for the care and advancement of special needs people. He ultimately served as its president.

Larry enjoyed fishing, golfing, cards, liver and onions, movies and good ole slap-stick comedy. More importantly he enjoyed the warmth, caring, love and company of his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; sons, Brad and Brett (Judy); daughter, Barb Faber; granddaughters, Jennifer (Caleb) Easler, Kristin (Daniel) Miller and Rebecca; brothers, Keith (Lois) Nanke and John (Roxie) Nanke; sisters, Martha Livingston and Joan Webster; in-laws, Mary Nanke, Charles Stock and Tommy Stock; and lots of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son-law, Mike (Barb) Faber; brother, Gary (Mary) Nanke; and sister-in-law, Dottie (Charles) Stock.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, any memorial gift will be disbursed to Bethany Lutheran Church and Systems Unlimited.

Chapman Funeral Home is assisting the family. Memories and condolences may be left at www.chapmanfh.com.