He was born December 17, 1939, in Savanna, Illinois, the son of Raymond and Pearl (Tobey) Erling. He graduated from DeWitt High School in 1957. Larry married Joyce Gast on April 24, 1960, at First Congregational Church in DeWitt. Early in his life, he worked at Alcoa and was a truck driver for Transport America. Larry also farmed with his father in Scott County for many years. He will best be remembered for owning and operating the Candlelight Restaurant in DeWit

Larry was a member of the DeWitt Chamber of Commerce, Noon Lions Club and Iowa Restaurant Association serving in various capacities in these organizations. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, snowmobiling, gardening, attending the Indy 500 and NASCAR races and golfing once hitting a hole in one. Larry attended Iowa Hawkeye games and loved watching the Chicago Cubs and old western shows on television. He was nature’s friend, feeding the birds and squirrels year round. Larry spent many days giving his furry canine companion, Sassy, rides around the farm in his John Deere gator.

Surviving are his wife, Joyce; children, Christine of Long Grove and Todd and fiancée, Pepper Nilles of Temple, Texas; grandchildren, Jesse Bard of Edina, Minnesota and JoBeth Erling of Silver City, New Mexico; a sister, Shirley Mackin of Apache Junction, Arizona; a sister-in-law, Pat Sterk of Bettendorf; several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Larry in death were his parents and a sister, Erma Hoy.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 27th. A service celebrating Larry’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 28th at First Congregational United Church of Christ, DeWitt, with the Rev. Jeff Wartgow officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Union Cemetery in rural Scott County.

The family suggests memorials to Rock Island Humane Animal CareCenter or McCausland Fire Department.

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.